ABOUT THE NORTH OF AUCKLAND

 

We feel privileged to be living and working in the North of Auckland. This area of New Zealand offers one of the most fulfilling and sought-after lifestyles available in our unique country. A stone’s throw from the country’s major city, yet out of the bustle, the North of Auckland area boasts stunning beaches, pristine countryside, marine reserves, golf courses, famed wineries, an international marina, unspoiled native forest, and much more. A straightforward commute to downtown Auckland gives this region easy access to the ‘action’ while protecting its natural beauty and charm.

 

Warkworth

 

The main centre in the north Rodney district, Warkworth is the hub for a wide residential, rural and coastal region. One of the footsteps of Auckland, it is one of the fastest growing areas in New Zealand.

 

The region is a perfect haven for those wanting to get away – whether for a weekend, a summer, or an eternity. Stunning beaches, islands and rural parks all in close proximity to the largest metropolitan area in New Zealand. Auckland CBD is a 45 minute drive, easily commutable.

Increasingly we are seeing lifestylers moving their permanent residence to the Warkworth area, enjoy the quality of life of offer. The beautiful yet safe coastline and many offshore islands create a natural retreat for those interested in fishing, water sports and sailing and it encompasses some of New Zealand’s most scenic beaches, wineries and tourist areas such as Omaha, Leigh, the Goat Island Marine Reserve and the very popular Matakana Village.   Omaha Beach offers a beautiful white sandy beach, clean air, crystal clear waters and uninterrupted gulf and island views. Surfers and windsurfers appreciate the beach itself, which has a strong surf lifesaving club and lifeguards on duty. Omaha Beach is a great location for water-skiers, the recreational fisher or diver and has good boat-launching facilities and a protected all-tides harbour that provides safe swimming for children. A championship 18 hole golf-course, tennis courts, bowling greens, kids playgrounds, reserves and walking tracks complete the family activities on offer in this coastal playground.

Given the beauty of the region and its proximate location to New Zealand’s largest city, the Warkworth real estate market has held up well in the last few years.

Hibiscus Coast

 

Just twenty-five minutes north of Auckland's harbour bridge begins the beautiful district of the Hibiscus Coast.

At the heart of the coast lies the town of Orewa Beach spreading inland from the edge of a magnificent three kilometre beach.  Orewa Beach is the commercial heart of the Hibiscus Coast and Rodney district. If you need to work in the city but want the lifestyle that the beach offers – you have come to the right place. The beach extends along the length of the town, providing a broad sandy promenade at low tide. Extensive grassy reserves and a children's playground border the beach. The town centre itself has a great variety of shops and services, restaurants, banks, supermarkets, dairies and accommodation.

It's a great destination if you like swimming, surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and kite surfing. For coastal views, you can't beat a stroll along the Millennium Walkway. Beyond the beach, entertainment possibilities include golf at Gulf Harbour, wine trails, hiking in regional parks, ten pin bowling, cycling, mini golf, cinema, horse riding, go-carting, indoor skiing and thermal hot pools of Waiwera. Orewa Beach is conveniently located along State Highway 1 which passes through the centre of town, allowing a commute back to Auckland CBD or the rapidly growing business districts on the North Shore.

 

The Whangaparaoa peninsula heads east and out into Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. Whangaparaoa is Maori for "Bay of Whales", and pods of orca and dolphin are still spotted in the waters off the peninsula.  The peninsula stretches east for 11 kilometres into the waters of the Hauraki Gulf to the north of East Coast Bays. The island of Tiritiri Matangi lies three kilometres off its eastern tip. The town of Whangaparaoa sits on the peninsula's southwestern shore, and is regarded as the start of the section of coastline known as the Hibiscus Coast. Communities along the peninsula include Red Beach, Stanmore Bay, and Manly. At the end of the peninsula is Shakespear Regional Park. For those that value spending time at the beach with the family or simply as a spot for relaxation the Whangaparaoa is perfect.  Red Beach, Stanmore Bay, Big Manly, Tindalls Bay, Fishermans Cove, Army Bay, Te Haruhi Bay, Matakatia, Little Manly, Arkles Bay and Shakespear National Park. With 10 beaches and bays and a fantastic national parks all within a close drive you will always have something to do with the family. The peninsula has continued to develop in the last twenty years as more people want to take advantage of the superb lifestyle on offer.  This development has grown to include a thriving shopping center, movie theatres, and a library and community center.  The Whangaparaoa Peninsula is home to three golf courses, the most renowned being the Gulf Harbour Country Club. 

Many residents commute to the business areas of the Auckland CBD, the North Shore and the rapidly growing Albany Basin, a drive of only 40 minutes outside of peak time.

At the end of the peninsular is the much loved destination of Gulf Harbour. This area is one of the most unique marine theme master planned communities in the New Zealand and all of south pacific. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf and featuring simply breathtaking ocean views through to Auckland city, Gulf Harbour remains one of the most impressive locations to live located only 40 minutes north of Auckland.

Winding through the Gulf Harbour community is the one of New Zealand’s best golf courses. Famous for the New Zealand golfing open it is exceptionally popular with pro and amateur golfers alike and offers a perfect back drop to the marine lifestyle of Gulf Harbour. Capping off Gulf Harbour’s major features is the Gulf Harbour Deep Water marina. Offering well over 1000 berths it’s recognized as being the second largest in the all of the southern hemisphere.  There are also regular commuter ferry’s from Gulf Harbour to the heart of Auckland’s CBD – a lovely way to get down to work for those who need to.  For serious boaties there are further marine orientated services are available within the Gulf Harbour Marina complex. The Gulf Harbour golf course, described by its designer Robert Trent-Jones Jnr as one of his best, is the focal point of the Gulf Harbour Country Club. Venue of the World Cup of Golf in 1998 and NZ Golf Open in 2006, the pristine fairways and magnificent views are sure to impress even the non-golfer. With a world class marina, country club and international standard golf course, along with activities that include swimming, diving, boating and fishing, an amazing lifestyle is on offer at Gulf Harbour.

 

Mangawhai & Surrounds

 

Only a 90 minute leisurely drive north of Auckland, this area has seen significant growth in the last few years with many people wanting to get away from the bustle of the city and enjoy the lifestyle on offer, but also being within striking distance of the city. Straddling three districts – Rodney, Kaipara and Whangarei – this is a distinct and very beautiful area that offers a wide variety of activities.

Mangawhai, Langs, Waipu Cove and the greater Kaipara provide fun for all ages with the ocean, coastline, fresh water lakes and harbours offering a full range of water activities and the golden sandy beaches a great place to relax and enjoy. Land based activities are also well catered for with several excellent golf courses, bowls, tennis and a medley of award winning cafes and restaurants.

Whether you are looking for more popular white sandy beaches of the east coast or for a bit more escapism and the ‘off the beaten track’ on the west coast in idyllic spots such as Pahi, you will find the lifestyle on offer in the area top class. There is a strong and vibrant rural community based around the towns of Wellsford and Maungaturoto and the farms and lifestyle blocks in the area offer great opportunities.