Rodney

It has the best of everything, as CHARLOTTE COSSAR reports.

Straddling the width of the North Island north of Auckland to the Kaipara district is Rodney. Taking advantage of both the west and east coast terrains, the area has the best of everything.

The district has many beaches, with 1000km of coastline, including the safe waters of the east coast and the wild ones of the west. It is the perfect place for water lovers and caters for boating, sailing, year-round fishing, surfing, windsurfing, snorkelling and water-skiing.

It is also home to Kawau Island. Worth a visit, ferries leave from Sandspit wharf. The island's Mansion House is a superb example of colonial New Zealand. Also just off the coast of Whangaparaoa Peninsula is Tiritiri Matangi - an open bird santuary and home to the endangered takahe.

Towns within its boundaries include Wellsford, Matakana, Warkworth, Orewa, Helensville, Hibiscus Coast and Kumeu and each offers a different lifestyle.

WELLSFORD

At the junction of the Twin Coast Discovery highway, Wellsford is close to beaches and land-based activities and serves as an entry to Northland. The town has a variety of shops, accommodation and entertainment options, as well as an excellent golf course and other sporting facilities.

MATAKANA

Matakana is famous for its burgeoning wine industry - the wine trail is well worth a go. There is also the Morris & James Pottery Tileworks Cafe and Bar.

WARKWORTH

With a country atmosphere, there are beautiful beaches, some of which remain undiscovered by holiday-makers. Every year the Kowhai Festival, which displays local crafts, has wine tasting and entertainment.

OREWA

Often viewed as a retirement area, it is also the Hibiscus Coast's fastest-growing tourist destination. Just 25 minutes north of Auckland, Orewa is an access point for the plentiful islands off the coast as well as the region's colourful scenery. Wineries, craft shops, hot pools and other tourist attractions contribute to its appeal.

HELENSVILLE

Steeped in colonial history, Helensville is just 40 minutes from downtown Auckland and provides a relaxed lifestyle for residents and visitors. Thermal hot pools, camping, tramping, horse trekking, sky diving and water sports are among the activities on offer.

KUMEU

Kumeu is a thriving area to the north west of Auckland, comprising Woodhill, Waimauku, Riverhead, Huapai, Taupaki and Muriwai. Close to west coast surf beaches, it's famous for its wineries and farming.

House prices do vary with each area, with Omaha and Sandspit generally being the most expensive. Sections in these two areas range from $150,000 to about $850,000 for waterfront (or near) properties. Houses range from $200,000 to $1.8 million. Houses in Warkworth range from $180,000 to $400,000, with the average price being $210,000. Lifestyle properties can range from $250,000 for a basic dwelling to more than $1 million, depending on land size, land use and the house. The highest-priced properties are those with sea views near the east coast, with some selling for more than $2 million.

With the extension of the Northern motorway to Orewa and hopefully soon to Puhio, this area has become an appealing destination for sea-lovers who want a little peace and quiet. There is still room for the area to absorb more residents without it losing its country privacy, but be quick, it's no longer the forgotten north.