Orakei

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Fewer suburbs evoke the maritime and multicultural core of Auckland more than Orakei, a veritable jewel in the city's crown and one rich in cultural history and beauty.

Encapsulating Bastion Point, the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, the Orakei Marae, Orakei domain, beautiful harbour and urban views and a number of the city's waterfront icons, the area is in many ways all that is essentially Auckland. Needless to say, the attractions of the suburb attract a cross-section of Auckland's multicultural population.

Departing the city via Tamaki Drive, Orakei is the first suburb you hit, and the haven-like atmosphere provided is an obvious lure to many inner-city doctors, lawyers and accountants.

The waterfront, with its wide bike way and welcoming environment, is an enticement for joggers, walkers, cyclists and roller-bladers winter and summer alike. Orakei is certainly a suburb to be noticed in and more than one Shortland St star or media celebrity has been seen strolling the waterfront section of the suburb. Being so close to the restaurants, cafes and other amenities of Mission Bay - as well as close to the city - is too much for many to resist and the real estate prices reflect this accordingly.

Amenities abound in the area. Michael Joseph Savage Memorial is a favourite for courting lovers and wedding photographs. Tamaki Yacht Club is preferred for upmarket social events and gatherings. Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World remains as popular as ever with tourists and locals alike. Hammerheads restaurant provides one of the best harbour views for an eating establishment in the city. Orakei Wharf is ever-popular as a fishing destination, as well as the starting point for numerous weekend sailing events.

Okahu Bay is a favourite beach and the domain is populated most summer nights by touch players of all abilities. In winter, the Teachers Eastern Rugby Club maintains a proud tradition in the Auckland competition. Shopping facilities range from East Ridge inland of Mission Bay through to the local Orakei suburban strip shopping. Schools are of a high standard and the local secondary schools, Selwyn and Glendowie, have favourable reputations.

The housing stock of Orakei varies from ex-state houses - which now command high prices and are very sought after as renovations and because of their stability - to the exclusive mansions surrounding Paritai Dr. In between are homes varying in age from the 1950s through to the 1990s, including standard subdivision-style family homes and modern brick/plaster and tile townhouses.

Typical of residences currently for sale in Orakei are homes in the $1 million to $1.5 million price bracket. These three- to four-bedroom homes will undoubtedly have sea views and be on full-sized sections, possibly with further development potential. Other standard three- to four-bedroom family homes and townhouses on 400sq m to 800sq m sections will sell for anywhere between $500,000 and $900,000, depending on views and proximity to the waterfront. Two-bedroom homes with views are still fetching $450,000 upwards, and boundaries are always being pushed through the auctions.