Pakuranga

Popular with families, this suburb has the best of all worlds - sea views, great beaches and good schools. CHARLOTTE COSSAR reports.

Named after a legend about a battle between the turehu (night dwelling creatures) of Waitakere and Hunua over an eloped maiden, this suburb, rich in history and character, is a popular destination for families.

After the first European settlers arrived, Pakuranga became a rich farming district, with crops flourishing in the favourable growing conditions. And in 1866, to improve travel from the eastern districts to other areas of Auckland, a bridge, which is still used today, was built between Pakuranga and Panmure.

Transport has always been an issue in this area and in 1947, when the population was 277, the area started to change from a farming community to a residential suburb. The Pakuranga Town Centre and Ti Rakau Dr were established and by the 1980s there were few field sites available to develop.

Today, this water's edge suburb, which is surrounded by the Tamaki River and accessed by two bridges, is a popular choice for families who move from other areas of Auckland for the schools - the area has a number of sought-after primary and intermediate schools and the ever-expanding St Kentigern College - and other amenities.

With access to great beaches, many of the homes in Pakuranga have views to Panmure or Rangitoto Island. This and the fact that most of the sections are a decent size mean locals can enjoy the best of family living.

Also, for the commuter of the family, new motorway links and the proposed eastern corridor transport development makes the city more accessible by car. And if you prefer to travel by rail or sea, these options are also available. If you travel to Manukau, the new motorway link means this is also a lot less stressful - although you do have to pick your times. There is also a regular bus service between Pakuranga and Manukau.

Things to do

With the revamped Westfield shopping centre at Pakuranga and the Botany Town Centre, this area is perfect for shoppers. Days can be spent enjoying the array of stores and bargains to be had. Also, just along the road is Highland Park shopping centre and the quaint shops at Howick.

If you like to exercise your legs instead of your fingers accessing your wallet, Lloyd Elsmore Park has an indoor pool, bowling club, athletic track, hockey stadium and a badminton and cricket club.

Property prices

Pakuranga Rd, which is the main arterial highway, tends to divide the area into the seaward side and the older Pakuranga and Pakuranga Heights, where a three-bedroom home on a half site can be bought from $200,000.

The newer areas, closer to the water, include Manor Park, Farm Cove and Sunnyhills. Here, some of the larger homes can fetch from $700,000.

The most sought-after homes are those at the water's edge - these can sell for more than $1 million. However, back from the water there are homes available for a lot less, some from $200,000.

Generally, however, units are priced between $200,000 and $300,00 and townhouses and houses $300,000 to $600,000.