Papakura

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Nestled between Manukau Harbour and the Hunua Ranges and offering a lifestyle alternative to the central city, Papakura is only 25 minutes from the CBD by car. The suburb offers much that is attractive about town and country living, including rolling farmland and native forest backdrop, as well as a vibrant town with great eateries, and shopping.

There is much to do for young and old alike, with many parks and reserves boasting fine examples of New Zealand's native plant and tree species. It is amazing to think this natural beauty is within easy commuting distance of the central city.

The close proximity to rural and farming communities - for example, Clevedon to the east, Karaka to the west and Drury and Runciman to the south - affords the area a variety of residential and rural property.

As one Papakura resident states, the area attracts urbanites escaping the busy life closer to Auckland's heart and those who want to live "where town meets country".

The Papakura region was settled in the 1850s and a school and small chapel were established on the site of the present "crossroads". In 1872, a larger school was required and the Education Board made a grant of 175 pounds for the school on the condition that a further 75 pounds was contributed by the community towards the costs.

The school, Papakura Central School, was completed in October 1876, and for 82 years was the only school in the area. Contemporary Papakura has an excellent selection of primary and secondary educational establishments, with one of the newest being the private Strathallan School and College at Karaka.

Karaka Bloodstock is a recent development in the area and the largest of its kind in New Zealand. Horse sales are held throughout the year and attract buyers from all over the world.

Papakura has plenty of amenities to satisfy the active resident, including Bruce Pulman Park - a large sporting/recreation centre with netball courts, sport grounds for soccer, cricket, rugby, etc, and a gym - Massey Park Swimming Complex with its heated indoor pool, wave pool and 50m outdoor pool, a BMX track and many other sports grounds and clubs.

After all this exertion, you can enjoy the shows at the Hawkins Entertainment Centre, stroll around local parks, including McLennan's Park, South Park, King Edward Park and Kirks Bush, or clear out your wallet shopping.

One very popular attraction known to many Auckland residents is the flights over Auckland in biplanes or a meticulously maintained World War Two Dakota DC3, which depart from nearby Ardmore Airport.

Papakura is a suburb of quality housing, much of it in an affordable price bracket. Examples of properties available include lifestyle blocks on large sections selling anywhere from $550,000 to $2 million. Many of these properties provide huge opportunities for home and income as well as ideal rural surrounds and outlooks.

Family homes predominate in the Papakura urban area, and many large four- to five-bedroom homes on sections between 650sq and 900sq will sell for anywhere between $500,000 and $850,000, and beyond. Some highly desirable larger family homes on good-sized sections can be picked up for between $400,000 and $500,000, however. A number of one- and two-bedroom apartments are also available, selling from $150,000 to more than $220,000.