Titirangi

Including Oratia, Green Bay, Wood Bay,

French Bay, Konini, Waiatarua, Parau, Kaurilands, Huia, Cornwallis and Laingholm

Trees are to Titirangi as coffee is to Ponsonby. Everyone in Titirangi loves them, from the tree-hugging hippies who disappear up their long winding driveways to the cafe set and young families who embrace the bush for its restful vistas and cool canopy.

Beyond Titirangi, the little bays that hug the Manukau Harbour out to the heads offer the same lifestyle appeal but with an even more secluded feeling and sea views thrown in.

Oratia, with its big, flat sections and views back to the city, is one of the best-kept secrets of these parts. Some of Titirangi's low-lying neighbours like to piggy-back on the suburb's status but don't be fooled. If they're not living in the bush, then they're not true Titirangi-ites.

A Titirangi house is all about timber. Homes are perched on poles, clad in weatherboard and finished inside with cathedral-style beamed ceilings and tongue-and-groove panelling.

The 1960s and 1970s style that defined Titirangi's development has found new favour. Building extensions have to conform to strict Waitakere City Council regulations to protect existing trees.

In Oratia, cottages and weatherboard bungalows grace the large sections. Several small enclaves of new housing give a broader choice for home buyers. Baches and cottages are among Laingholm's housing stock, and appeal to first home buyers. Green Bay has a mix of units, group housing stock and larger, well-appointed houses to suit all tastes and means.

Amenities This area is well-served by schools, especially Green Bay. Titirangi's quaint shopping village has cafes spilling outdoors, while Lopdell House, the public art gallery, includes a German/Italian bakery. For a real sense of community, visit the Titirangi Village market on the last Sunday of every month. There is art, craft and collectibles, but precious little parking because of its popularity.

Aside from the stunning Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, there are numerous small neighbourhood green areas. There's also the coast with many attractive bays and beaches.

The Titirangi Golf Club is near Green Bay.

Trends Oratia has almost overtaken Titirangi in appeal, both for its affordability and the ease of flat land over Titirangi's bush-clad hills. Oratia has rated within Auckland's top 10 suburbs for capital gain during the past year. Its large properties and views back to the city are big drawcards. Serviced sections with some bush have also come on to the market.

Within Titirangi, sales at the higher end, $500,000 to $600,000, have slowed in line with the wider Auckland market. Entry level into Titirangi is $400,000-plus with prices affected by the amount of sun or off-street parking. Laingholm and the coastal areas around Huia are popular for first home buyers.

Rental and investment In Titirangi, homeowners will rent out their homes while overseas or on business transfer out of Auckland.

Best streets

South Titirangi Road and Kohu Road in Titirangi; Cliff View Drive in Green Bay; Carter Road in Oratia.