Onehunga

It's full of life, rich in history and affordable, as JANE BINSLEY reports.

Built on the lava flow from the eruption of One Tree Hill, Onehunga is one of Auckland's earliest settlements. And it has as much to offer modern-day residents as it did the early European settlers who were drawn to the area 180 years ago for its picturesque location on the shores of the Manukau Harbour.

Maori had long recognised the tactical significance of the area, and its value was not lost on Governor George Grey, who settled hundreds of Fencibles and their families there during the late 1840s.

The area's rich history is apparent in its varied housing stock, which ranges from early 1900s villas and bungalows to large family homes built during the 1970s to cater for the baby boomers. More recently, near-new terraced apartments and up-market free-standing homes have sprung up as land becomes available for subdivision.

Prices begin in the $110,000 range for an older unit or terrace home, with stand-alone family houses starting at about $200,000 and reaching up to $650,000 in the smarter parts of town.

Popular areas include Onehunga Heights, in the elevated streets west of the mall, such as Symonds St, Quadrant Rd and Forbes St. Many of these homes come complete with sea views. Some locals love the character and charm that abounds in streets such as Heretaunga, Grotto, Alfred and Victoria, closer to the southern end of the suburb, while others prefer to stay north of Mt Smart Rd, where Onehunga meets One Tree Hill in streets such as Athens Rd, Mariri Rd and Moana Ave.

Onehunga is popular with all ages, but particularly first-home buyers, especially young professionals in their 20s and 30s. They are drawn by its affordable housing, as well as its proximity to the airport, CBD, hospitals and the scenic One Tree Hill Domain and Cornwall Park. They find that Onehunga offers the best of both worlds. It's just far enough away from the bustle of city life, yet so close to all the key routes and motorways that you can get anywhere you want to quickly.

They also discover a cosmopolitan community, with the main shopping precinct undergoing something of a renaissance with the development of fashionable cafes. The Dressmart factory shop mall draws hordes of bargain-hunters from across the city, while the Jellicoe Pools are a popular meeting point in summer.

A sense of community spirit is strong in Onehunga, with crowds of locals turning out for the annual Christmas tree lighting in Jellicoe Park, to be held on December 6 this year. A series of artworks commissioned by Auckland City for Onehunga's public spaces are adding to the area's reputation as a creative enclave.

This vibrant, go-ahead area truly has something for everyone.