Piha

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

The west Auckland beaches have an attraction all of their own, and Piha is undoubtedly an Auckland icon with its subculture of stereotypical teenaged surfers mixing with the retired, writers, environmentalists, artists, architects, Shortland Street actors and other media personalities.

Piha's magnetism comprises pristine black sand beaches combined with the mystic beauty of native bush and the isolated ruggedness of the coastline. As one local puts it: "There is definitely a spiritual quality in the air - nowhere else in Auckland do I feel as at one with natural majesty as I do living at Piha. I can be myself in this environment as well, and have never felt the pressure of conformity that is essential in the inner city."

The natural rugged charm of Auckland's west coast beaches has contributed to its popular choice of backdrops for movies - the most famous to date being The Piano.

Extending northward from Whatipu at the northern reaches of the Manukau Harbour and past Karekare Beach, Piha is one of Auckland's best-known beach environments, and the real estate reflects everything that is magical about the eclectic mix of local residents. While an obvious bach-like atmosphere exists, some of the area's spectacular sea-view properties will rival any abode in the wealthiest inner-city suburb, and will emphatically match the prices, as well.

One point of difference between the region and the suburbs, however, is the strict requirement to remove only those trees on a section needed for the construction of a dwelling. This requirement, while seen as stringent, is also viewed as fair by most local residents.

Despite the arrival of palatial family and holiday homes, the traditional Kiwi bach is very much in evidence here. The current residences reflect many different styles and eras, with examples of 1930s Art Deco houses as well as 1970s board and batten through to contemporary 1990s brick or plaster and tile conventional homes.

A significant amount of interest in Piha real estate comes from overseas buyers, particularly from North America, but also Australia and Europe.

Examples of the range of properties currently for sale include hillside modern three- to four-bedroom homes with panoramic views of both northern and southern beaches and Lion Rock on full-sized (over 800sq m) bush sections selling for more than $800,000.

It is possible to purchase well-apportioned family homes on large sections (between 1000sq m and 3000sq m) in the $450,000 to $650,000 bracket, however. The most desirable properties will easily fetch more than $1 million.

Many houses in the area reveal their bach roots, often having less than three bedrooms, despite being on large family-sized sections.

The lack of schooling and retail amenities may be off-putting to some. Children will often have to travel to schools at Titirangi, Henderson or Laingholm, for example, while those looking for a supermarket will have to drive to Henderson.

However, the recreation facilities in the form of native bushwalks, waterfalls, swimming and surfing activities normally overcomes any perceived shortcomings.