One Tree Hill

Until only five years ago, the single windswept pine atop central Auckland volcanic cone Maungakiekie was a landmark on the horizon. Returning to the city after a trip south, it was a stirring sight to catch a glimpse of the tree from the motorway and know you were nearly home.

But since 2000, when the pine was removed for safety reasons, One Tree Hill has been a misnomer. As debate continues to rage over when the tree should be replaced, life goes on as usual for the inhabitants of the suburb that bears its name.

Bordered by Epsom to the north, Three Kings to the west, Royal Oak and Onehunga to the south, and Greenlane to the east, One Tree Hill is at the centre of the Auckland isthmus. It's a pleasant and popular place to live, with a range of local facilities supplemented by easy access to many more in the surrounding suburbs.

Being mid-way between the city and the airport, One Tree Hill is popular with aircrew and airport workers and frequent travellers. Its handy motorway access also makes it a good bet for those working in South Auckland, while the growing commercial centre at Penrose provides many more jobs.

Although there are a few turn-of-the-century villas that would have been the area's original farmhouses, about half of the housing stock is bungalows built during the 1920s and 1930s. There are also some ex-state houses, and houses built by the state for sale to returning servicemen in the 1940s. More recently, infill housing on subdivided sections has been developed in response to demand for quality townhouses.

Glenn Baker, of LJ Hooker, has lived in the area for almost 20 years, and enjoys its easy-going neighbourhood atmosphere. He says properties in the area are highly sought-after, with hordes of people attending most open homes. They appeal to young families looking for a peaceful neighbourhood in which to bring up children, fashionable singles wanting a bit more space than they can get in the inner-city suburbs, middle-aged executives and older folk who have been in their homes for years.

He has also noticed recent interest from homeowners looking to sell their Remuera properties and buy a home in One Tree Hill with a smaller mortgage.

Baker says One Tree Hill has experienced a noticeable increase in prices over the past few years, when compared to similar areas a comparable distance from the city. Entry-level prices now fall at about $350,000 for a three-bedroom bungalow on a subdivided site, while a few top-quality renovated properties on large sites go for more than $1 million. Homes tend to demand higher prices the closer they are to One Tree Hill Domain and Cornwall Park.

One Tree Hill also has the rare honour of having been name-checked in a song by international rock band U2.

What makes One Tree Hill special?

Together, making up one of the largest and most beautiful city parks in the country, Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill Domain are undoubtedly the jewels in this suburb's crown. Here you can walk the dog, picnic, listen to live jazz music, visit the city observatory, teach the kids to ride a bike, meet friends for a barbecue or simply enjoy the splendid 360-degree views from the summit. Glorious.

Watch out for ...

Many of the properties that back onto the park are leasehold, with the Cornwall Park Trust granting lease in perpetuity for 21 years. Naturally, you'll want to pay substantially less for these than for their freehold neighbours next door.

Need to know

Median 2004 house sale price - approximately $530,000

Driving time to city - off-peak 8-10 minutes, peak 15-20 minutes