Henderson

Henderson has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years, with sustained investment by the Waitakere City Council and private business resulting in a rejuvenated town centre and an increased sense of civic pride.

That upward trajectory looks set to continue with a "Baby Britomart" transport hub, a new public square, new Waitakere City Council offices, a new library and a new Unitec campus due to bring fresh vigour to the heart of the Henderson shopping area when they are completed next year.

Elsa Vujnovich of Harveys says Henderson's strengths lie in the diversity of its cultures, the friendliness of its people and their proud ownership of the "Westie" name. She says a huge focus has recently been put on preserving the natural environment, and this has enhanced its many public spaces.

Ann Hutton of LJ Hooker has lived in the area for more than 21 years and says it has all the facilities anyone could want. These include the new Waitakere Trust's Stadium, the West Wave Aquatic Centre, a new "eco-hospital", movie theatres, shopping and cafes, including the excellent Moka and the historic Falls Hotel.

"You've got everything at your fingertips," says Hutton. "It's a great family area, there are good educational facilities and it's a nice place for people to retire to. And the nicest thing is that you're literally a hop, skip and a jump out to the West Coast beaches and bush-walks, so it's great for anyone who appreciates nature."

Wider Henderson takes in suburbs as varied as the newly fashionable waterside developments on Te Atatu Peninsula, the semi-industrial Lincoln Rd precinct and rural Henderson Valley. The area retains strong links with its origins as a vineyard and orchard town, with several wineries still offering cellar door wine tastings on the increasingly commercialised Lincoln Rd.

The area also has a thriving arts scene, centred at the Corban Estate Arts Centre on Great North Rd, where exhibitions and art classes are held, along with regular Pacifica markets. The internationally famous Hercules and Xena: Warrior Princess television shows were shot nearby, and they've left a legacy of film and television facilities and expertise that have drawn more recent productions.

There's good public transport and the double-tracking of the western line will allow for more frequent train services in the coming years.

Val Hunter of Harcourts says house prices in the Henderson area have risen noticeably over the past few years, and it's now very hard to find anything for less than $250,000. Homes in more exclusive areas, such as Henderson Heights, where some streets have views of the city and Sky Tower, go for upwards of $500,000.

What makes Henderson special?

With its unique mix of commercial, residential, light industrial and agricultural and viticultural interests, Henderson is a colourful and varied suburb in which to live. Its proximity to splendid West Coast beaches such as Piha and Karekare is a bonus.

Watch out for ...

Motorway traffic into the city at rush hour can be slow, and Lincoln Rd is increasingly becoming one long traffic jam. Parts of Henderson still have a reputation as home to the stereotypical Westie with black jeans and rusting car wrecks on the lawn, but these are becoming fewer and further between.

Need to know

Median 2004 house sale price: Approximately $273,000

Driving time to city: Off-peak: 10-15 minutes, peak: 20-40 minutes