Howick

Howick is an undeniably exquisite ingredient of greater Auckland, comprising a grand community feel next to the sea and absorbing the neighbourhoods of Mellons Bay, Cockle Bay, Shelly Park and of course, the traditional village of Howick itself. 

Originally seen as a vacation escape, it was developed during the 1950s and 1960s, predominantly by wealthy European immigrants desiring a peaceful haven removed from the city hub. 

Howick or Owairoa was known as a fencible or pensioner settlement, with the first middle-aged, retired army and marine personnel arriving in the locale in 1847. As part of the immigration scheme, these military men received land in return for giving service to the colonial defence effort. The historical intricacies of this era are depicted daily at the Howick Historical Village in Bells Rd, Pakuranga. 

In the past 30 years, Howick has transformed from a sleepy seaside village into one of the most rapidly expanding and vibrant suburbs in New Zealand, while retaining its tranquil roots. 

Combining the best of the old with the new, people are attracted to the area for the beaches, parks, sporting facilities and excellent schools. And, of course, the vibrant village atmosphere and buzzing cafes, restaurants and wine bars. 

Just down the road from Howick is New Zealand's newest and largest entertainment and retail centre at Botany Downs and the East Tamaki industrial area. With numerous employment opportunities in this region, it is little wonder many choose to reside in Howick. 

However, you don't need to venture too far from the village for shopping. With more than 100 boutique shops and speciality stores, it is easy to spend hours wandering down the main street soaking in the atmosphere. 

For the sports-minded, Lloyd Elsmore Park is a short drive away and has a heated pool and fabulous sports grounds. And who can forget the beaches - six of them in total - the marina and the yacht club. 

Traditionally, the suburb had a European flavour but this has changed, with people of many cultures - especially Asian - and occupations being attracted to this not-so-secret secret over the last 20 years or so. 

Commuting to the city is easy with a pleasant ferry ride from Half Moon Bay to the CBD - and motorway access is now closer with the Eastern Arterial. 

Once known as a suburb in the back of beyond, Howick is more popular with families looking for properties with lovely views and decent-sized sections at a reasonable price. 

There is a variety of dwellings to choose from, from apartments, units and townhouses to family homes and executive family homes close to Botany Town Centre. Many properties have sea views, and there are a lucky few with access to the foreshore. 

As for prices, there are smaller properties up to $350,000 and large executive family homes on reasonable sized sections for between $400,000 and $650,000. There are also many larger-scale luxury homes, which fetch anything upwards of $2 million.