Beachlands/Maraetai

In the days when we travelled at a leisurely pace, Beachlands and Maraetai were the preserve of farmers and holiday-makers. But the area's desirable seaside location and relative ease of access to the city means farms are being sold and subdivided.

These two seaside hamlets are family-oriented communities, popular with lifestylers who want access to the city without having to tolerate crowded suburbs. There isn't a lot of employment here, so most people commute.

The fibrolite baches which were the norm here 20 years ago are now a rare and quaint sight. Many have been demolished and replaced with substantial modern homes.

Amenities

Beachlands and Maraetai each have a combined primary and intermediate school. For the secondary school years, pupils generally go to Howick College: a free bus is provided for the half-hour journey.

Most residents take advantage of the fact that they're out of the area almost daily by doing the bulk of their shopping where there's more choice and lower prices. But all the basics are covered here, including grocery, hardware, baked goods, grog, pharmaceuticals and videos.

Beachlands and Maraetai have great swimming beaches, hence the endless line of day-trippers heading out to Maraetai every sunny summer weekend.

Omana Regional Park has beach, bush and farm. Neighbouring Te Puru Park has sports fields. Nearby Whitford Forest has tracks for mountain biking, walking and horseriding.

The Formosa Auckland Country Club has a golf course, a small gym, tennis courts and a swimming pool and spa pool with sea views.

Real estate Trends

Beachlands and Maraetai experienced the highest growth in the recent boom and Maraetai, in particular, has continued on a buoyant path.

New subdivisions in Beachlands mean there are sections and new homes available and lots of construction busy-ness.

There are fewer places available in Maraetai, generally no more than six at any given time. Prices are very similar in the two areas.

Rental and investment

Rentals are not abundant, especially in Maraetai. The properties are so valuable that investors are looking more for capital gain on a sale.

Best streets

There's really no unfortunate street in Maraetai. Even Maraetai School Rd, back from the sea, isn't far back at all.

In Beachlands, the clifftop streets are still the favourites: Hawke Cres, Ealing Cres and First View Ave.