Howick

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR

This lovely area with a great community feel is next to the sea and encompasses Mellons Bay, Cockle Bay and Shelly Park, as well as the traditional village of Howick.

Originally used as a holiday area, it was mainly developed around the 1950s and 1960s by wealthy Europeans wanting a peaceful haven well removed from the city hub.

Howick, or Owairoa, is known as a fencible (pensioner) settlement, with the first middle-aged, retired army and marine personnel arriving in 1847. As part of the immigration scheme, these military men received land in return for giving service. This era is depicted at the Howick Historical Village in Bells Rd, Pakuranga, which is open daily.

In the past 30 years, Howick has transformed from a sleepy seaside village to one of the most rapidly growing and exciting suburbs in New Zealand, while retaining its tranquil routes. Combining the best of the old with the new, people are attracted to live here because of the beaches, parks, sporting facilities and good schools. And who can forget the great village atmosphere and the buzzing cafes, restaurants and wine bars.

AMENTITIES
Just down the road from Howick are the Botany Town Centre - New Zealand's newest and largest entertainment and retail centre - and the East Tamaki industrial area.

However, you don't need to venture too far from the village for shopping. With more than 100 boutique shops and specialty stores, it is easy to spend hours wandering down the main street soaking in the atmosphere.

For the sports-minded, Lloyd Elsmore Park is a short drive away and has a heated pool and fabulous sports grounds. And who can forget the beaches - six of them in total - the marina and the yacht club.

WHO LIVES HERE?
This is an area on the move. Traditionally, the suburb had a European flavour, but this is changing with people of many cultures and occupations being attracted to this not-so-secret secret.

Commuting to the city is easy with the ferry service from Half Moon Bay, and motorway access is close with the Eastern Arterial, and it will be even closer if the Eastern Corridor happens.

Once known as a suburb in the back and beyond, Howick is more popular with families looking for properties with lovely views and decent-sized sections at a reasonable price.

WHAT TYPE OF HOUSES ARE THERE?
There are a range of properties from apartment units and townhouses to family homes and executive family homes in close proximity of Botany Town Centre. Many of the properties have sea views and there are a lucky few with access to the foreshore.

HOUSE PRICES
You can expect to pay between $200,000 and $250,000 for an apartment, between $220,000 and $300,000 for a unit, from $300,000 to $400,000 for a townhouse and from $300,000 to $500,000 for a three - to four-bedroom home. Waterfront properties can fetch between $400,000 and 2 million and properties with views are upward of $350,000