Kawakawa Bay

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR

Spectacular views and a mix of rural and coastal living make Kawakawa Bay an ideal choice for people looking for a more relaxed lifestyle within commuting distance of Auckland city.

Known for its recreational water and boating activities, this now-popular area on the coast near Clevedon and around from Maraetai is attracting people seeking the quieter lifestyle, whether it be as an investment for the future, for a family lifestyle or as a retirement option.

At the turn of the last century most of the land in and around Kawakawa Bay was farmed, but by the 1950s the bay saw gradual growth with sections and basic baches appearing along the foreshore. By the 1970s, the population and number of homes had doubled with subdivisions appearing in the area around Cottonwood Pl. At about this time, some of the original baches were being purchased and developed for permanent residence.

According to locals, four main settlements make up the areas - Maori Bay, the Main Bay, Snake Gully and Waiti Bay - and today few of the original baches remain. Most of the homes have permanent residents and the baches have either been demolished or completely renovated into more substantial family homes.

With subdividing being restricted by the council, land and homes are always in hot demand, however, there is land owned by local farmers that has been designated residential zoning and may be subdivided at a later stage.

WHO LIVES HERE?

The community comprises a diverse group of residents, ranging from young families and professional couples to retirees and generation farmers. And all who live here agree that they would be hard pushed to find a more pleasant existence.

AMENITIES

The hall, church and cottage are focal points for the community and where various clubs and groups meet on a regular basis, including the Lionesses, art, gardening, singing and dancing clubs and yoga groups.

Stoddard House, a landmark home originally built for Captain Colbeck (one of the first European settlers) owned by the Anglican Trust, provides special education programmes as an extension of Clevedon School.

Services found in the area include a health clinic, first response team, volunteer fire brigade and The Red Cross.

General amenities include a dairy/takeaways, petrol station, general store, parks and mobile kindergarten for children, tennis court, boat and fishing club, motel and bed & breakfasts.

A farmers' market selling a variety of goods, including giftware, home baking, fruit, veges and plants, is held fortnightly at the Kawakawa Bay Hall from 10am to 11am.

HOUSE PRICES

The properties range from a few Fibrolite baches priced around $250,000 to the traditional three-bedroom family home priced from $350,000 and modern waterfront properties that reach in excess of $500,000.

The most sought-after properties are waterfront ones, those past the boat ramp with spectacular views, properties with sea views and, often, a basic bach ready to be developed.