Pauanui Beach

Thirty years ago, Pauanui was little more than pine trees on an isthmus. Now, as new homes go up in the last subdivision in the area, Pauanui is enjoying a real estate boom unparallelled since the days when it was first set up as a family-oriented holiday resort.

Developed under strict guidelines, homes have been built among the pine trees, which are a feature of the network of walkways, park and playground areas.

Now, many transportable holiday homes have been replaced with substantial, up-market houses to match the increased land values. Only 650 people live in Pauanui permanently; most of the 2000 properties are holiday homes (many are rented out), built for both the lifestyle and long-term investment.

The waterways canal development has attracted many existing property owners who have traded up to a stylish home with a boat mooring at the bottom of the garden. This has freed up affordable property close to the beach, parks, tennis clubs, golf course, the airstrip and the new shopping centre.

The internationally renowned Puka Park Lodge has contributed to Pauanui's reputation as the playground of the rich and famous. Local businesspeople, however, talk of the area's huge family appeal with its patrolled beach and inner harbour, which is safe for small boats and sailboards.

Each summer, between 10,000 and 15,000 holiday-makers pour into the area for the festive activities organised by the local sports and recreations club. Meanwhile, in the newest Mt Pauanui Views subdivision, houses are being built and sections are on the market from between $85,000 and $150,000.