Pakuranga

The suburb retains a strong sense of community and is popular among families and retirees alike. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Long the butt of Vim jokes and being the classic Nappy Valley after those 1970s ads, Pakuranga remains a much-loved and loyal destination for families and those seeking ideal social and recreational amenities slightly to the east of greater Auckland.

Even with recent council movements towards creating the eastern corridor through Ti Rakau Dr, greater Pakuranga - in the shape of Edgewater, Farm Cove, Sunnyhills, Half Moon Bay and Bucklands Beach - has a huge amount to offer the discerning family buyer looking for the perfect school zone and a wealth of social, cultural and sporting amenities.

Let us start with Farm Cove. Close to the waterfront and the private St Kentigern College, Farm Cove offers much that is perfect in suburban family living. The presence of parks and endless easy-paced walkways for those pleasant strolls with the dog or morning/evening jogs makes this area a tranquil haven from the hustle of central city living. A host of primary and intermediate school options exist in this location and families will move here purely for the schooling alone.

Slightly further out lie Bucklands Beach and Half Moon Bay. Being prestigious locations dating back to the 1970s, many of the homes here still retain an air of grandeur and are eagerly sought by today's larger families. Four- and five-bedroom mansions on bigger-than-average sections exist, waiting to be snapped up by buyers with school-age children. Transport-wise, the bus service from Howick/Pakuranga is regular and the ferry to the city from Half Moon Bay provides a pleasant alternative and the opportunity to read the morning newspaper in fresh air.

As well as families, retired people are also attracted to the suburb for the superb amenities, including the excellent retail facilities in Pakuranga itself, Highland Park and the close proximity to Botany Town Centre.

A variety of properties exist, including a large number of three- and four-bedroom homes on sections of more than 600sq m selling in the mid-$400,000s. Many of these properties are minutes away from schools and shops. Large new four-bedroom family homes - on smaller sections around 400sq m - also may be purchased for around the mid-$400,000s.

Pakuranga exists as an all-encompassing suburb for a variety of budgets and preferences. Family and quality retirement homes may be bought for upwards of $200,000, however, the budget can be stretched to the $800,000s for large, renovated homes - particularly in the Macleans College catchment area.

The first-rate leisure facilities include Lloyd Elsmore Park - with tennis courts, swimming pools, golf courses, bowling greens and horse riding facilities - an excellent library service and a number of gyms for the health conscious.