Pokeno

Moving off the main drag, Pokeno is now busier than ever - especially as a destination for people wanting to move away from the city hustle and bustle. CHARLOTTE COSSAR reports.

Close to the motorway, both north and south, Pokeno is no longer only known for its great ice-creams enjoyed while travelling south or to Coromandel.

This thriving community with the friendly atmosphere has grown in leaps and bounds since being by-passed by State Highway 1.

Recently, new subdivisions have popped up, attracting young families, retired and professional couples wanting more land and a semi-rural lifestyle. Families with young children enjoy the close-knit community and smaller country-type schools, while other residents relish the quieter life and peaceful existence. And even if you still have to commute to Auckland, it is close to the motorway and a good drive, if you pick your times.

First settled in the 1860s, the area is still famous for its Pokeno Bacon, big ice-creams and mohair crafts. The original Shell Service Station has been pumping gas for more than 80 years and the coffee scene from Auckland has spread its wings. The only difference is here you can enjoy the lovely green pastures instead of inhaling exhaust fumes from road-raged motorists.

Where are people moving from?

The area is popular with people who have been living in Papakura, Papatoetoe and Pukekohe as well as central Auckland. With no traffic lights in sight, it makes a nice change from the grid-locked streets in Auckland's suburbs.

What is there to do?

Being close to the east coast beaches, Hamilton and Auckland, people living in Pokeno need never be bored. There is a great Irish pub, the Muddy Waters, Hotel du Vin just along State Highway 2, a vineyard at the end of Hitchen Rd and a buzzing town centre where it is sometimes hard to find a park.

If you want a little exercise, there are native bush walks around the area or you could partake in some water sports on the Waikato River.

Also, it is a popular destination for car clubs and regularly relics can be spotted parked along the main drag.

What's new?

With Auckland's boundaries moving further and further out, it is not a surprise that people are moving to Pokeno. Recently, new houses have been built in subdivisions in Malborough, Regina and Hitchen Rds and one in Walters Lane is now being developed. These offer affordable house and land packages on reasonable-sized sections from $200,000. The Walters Lane development has semi-rural sections with some backing onto native bush and established trees selling for between $250,000 and $300,000.

There are also lifestyle and farming properties available, with a few homestead properties selling for more than $600,000.