Beach Haven

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR

This gorgeous coastal haven is no longer the area for baches, artists' retreats and market gardens.

Since the Auckland Harbour Bridge was built in 1959, people have moved to the area to enjoy coastal life only a stone's throw from central Auckland.

Before European settlement, the area was known for its shellfish in Hellyers Creek and flounder in the Kaipatiki inlet.

The first European landowner was Thomas Hellyer who, in 1840, purchased 320 acres of land on either side of Oruamo Creek, which is now known as Hellyers Creek. With kauri trees in abundance, Hellyer saw an opportunity in the timber trade and opened a brewhouse that was very popular with visiting sailors. Later, pioneers successfully developed orchards and strawberry fields on the clay soil.

Now the established area has a friendly village atmosphere and there is a low turnover of residents. This community spirit has a long history - the Beach Haven Community House was the first in New Zealand and the local residents association is still very active in local affairs.

WHY DO PEOPLE LIVE HERE?

Reasonable property prices - it is a lot cheaper than Devonport and Bayswater - public transport and good schools are the main reasons people move to Beach Haven. And why not? The accessible coastline, native bush walks and lush reserves make the area a great choice for families, retirees and, more recently, immigrants, who are attracted by the friendliness of the area and the great house prices.

However, this area is fast becoming a popular suburb for its water views and the proposed introduction of a direct ferry service to the city from the Beach Haven wharf. Also, with the opening of the Kaipatiki Bridge, it is more accessible to Glenfield, Albany and the East Coast Bays.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO?

Local amenities include loads of parks and reserves, squash and tennis courts, rugby and soccer fields and bowls clubs.

For those who like to shop, the local village has all you need, including a good cafe, a garden centre and a handmade chocolate shop.

And for the past two years, the local business community has organised a street party at Christmas.

HOUSE PRICES

There is something for everyone in Beach Haven. For a unit you can expect to pay between $100,000 and $200,000, while townhouses fetch between $180,000 and $250,000. A three-to-four-bedroom house costs from $180,000 to $300,000, properties with views are priced from $300,000 and waterfront properties are $400,000 plus.