Property Report: Pioneer village has it all

Photo / Zoe Puttick

Eastern suburb boasts beaches, parks, town or rural lifestyle and a short commute to the city, plus top schools and varied shopping. Graham Hepburn reports. FREE PROPERTY REPORT IN TODAY’S NZ HERALD: VALUATIONS FOR 420 SUBURBS

In the past two decades, Howick and surrounds has seen huge population growth.

Brian Clark, of Bayleys, says this growth has been fuelled by the intense building activity to the south end of Howick village.

"Migrants have added to the diverse cultural mix and burgeoning, fast pace of development, helping to create a wide range of cultural, recreational and sporting activities close at hand," he says.

"Howick, the village by the sea, was founded in 1847 by the English and is named after Earl Grey, formerly Lord Howick, who was responsible for the Royal NZ Fencible Corps immigration scheme. Howick's pioneering and Fencible past is still evident in the names of many streets today." Clark says the locality is blessed with beautiful swimming beaches, scenic walks along the coastlines, and that "with several major regional parks nearby there is always a perfect spot to enjoy rest and relaxation".

"Lloyd Elsmore Park offers free use of modern swimming pools and a multitude of sporting facilities including rugby, soccer, hockey and cricket. Boating enthusiasts are well catered for with Half Moon Bay Marina providing a home for hundreds of pleasure craft along with access by ferry to Auckland City and the islands of the gulf. For those with a passion for golf there are four courses within a 15-minute drive.

The rural area surrounding the residential offers lifestyle blocks for city workers who wish to experience a clean, green lifestyle within easy commuting distance of all the city amenities. There is forestry, beef, sheep and dairy farming on larger tracts of land. A world-class equestrian centre operates near Whitford with polo facilities just along the road at Clevedon.

Clark adds that Beachlands and Maraetai on the Pohutukawa Coast are experiencing a surge in popularity as a result of land becoming available to build on.

"Commuting is easy -- Pine Harbour Marina operates a ferry service to and from Auckland City with a travel time of 30 minutes.

"The Eastern Beaches area is recognised for its excellent schooling with all levels very sought after. Commuters have easy access to the motorway, CBD, industrial and commercial areas, and Auckland International Airport. Sought-after schools include Macleans College, Botany College and St Kentigern College.

"Interesting boutiques, galleries, craft places, restaurants and cafes [offer] some of the best shopping in Auckland."