West Harbour

Boats, harbour views and a selection of affordable homes. CHARLOTTE COSSAR checks out the west Auckland suburb.

Maritime peace and tranquillity combined with quality access to sea. That is what you expect and that is exactly what you get in the seaside suburb of West Harbour. The relaxed, almost holiday-like atmosphere of this delightful area is seldom matched in most of what is ultimately a maritime city.

Exceptional sea views and access to the water make West Harbour a haven for people passionate about boats and water sports. With its developed marina, surrounded by spectacular modern homes, the suburb acts as a magnet for many who live in the surrounding area. On offer are great eateries, a fabulous place to park your boat, great facilities and many industries supporting the boating industry. With its unsurpassed views across the harbour to the city, the area has become very popular, especially over the last two to three years. The physical size of the area is huge, but the standard of housing is high and it is a safe place to live.

Being only a 20-minute drive from the CBD - in off-peak traffic, of course - one is never too far from the bright lights. And you can always view them from the comfort of you own home.

West Harbour has drop-in shops that cater for most of the day-to-day needs, and for your larger weekly shop and chain stores there's Westgate, Albany, Takapuna and Henderson just along the road.

In an area with many young families it is not surprising the suburb is well-served by pre-schools and day-care facilities. The local primary schools, including Hobsonville and Mariner View, have good names, and for secondary students, a host of private schools nearby are popular along with Massey High, Westlake boys and girls high schools, Waitakere College and Rutherford High.

A wide range of people live in West Harbour, from young professional families with a passion for seaside living to retired folk looking for a more relaxed life away from Auckland's hub. Many immigrants also choose to live in the suburb. The airforce retains a strong presence in the locale, and when they eventually leave, it has been said often that they will be sorely missed.

West Harbour tends to have contemporary homes - many executive style - on purpose-designed streets. The hygienic feel of the streets is a major attraction for many residents as well as those who aspire to live there. Graffiti is virtually unheard of in West Harbour.

Real estate prices vary. Many executive-style family homes on large sections will fetch well in excess of $1 million, especially those with good harbour views. Other quality family homes are more reasonable, however, selling for between $350,000 and $650,000. In fact, many properties close to the desirable West Harbour Marina ask in the $500,000 to $600,000 price range. This is not to say that buyers shouldn't be prepared to fork out $700,000 to $1 million-plus for other large properties.