Beachlands, New Zealand

Beachlands
Sunkist Bay in Beachlands, New Zealand
Beachlands
Basic information
Local authority Auckland Council
Date established 1920s
Coordinates 36°53′S 175°00′E / 36.883°S 175.000°E / -36.883; 175.000Coordinates: 36°53′S 175°00′E / 36.883°S 175.000°E / -36.883; 175.000
Population 6768 (2013)
Facilities
Ferry terminal(s) Pine Harbour Marina
Surrounds
North Waiheke Island
East Maraetai
Southeast Clevedon
South Whitford
West Howick

Beachlands is an outer suburb of Auckland, New Zealand, established in the 1920s, where development increased in the 1950s due to its popularity as a beach holiday destination[1]. It is located on the "Pohutukawa Coast" and in close proximity to Maraetai. The two areas have a combined population of 6,768 (2013 Census).

While connected to Auckland's waste water reticulation, all the properties collect their own rain water. Some properties have tapped into the underlying aquifers fed from the adjacent Maraetai-Brookby range of hills. No potable rivers are utilised for potable water locally.

Many English migrants and increasing numbers of South Africans have moved into the area in recent years. Houses in old Beachlands often come with a quarter of an acre of land. The housing ranges from cliff top mansions to rambling and somewhat run down baches. The newer areas of Pine Harbour, Spinnaker Bay and Pony Park contain modern houses, generally with smaller gardens than in old Beachlands. District plan minimum size is 700 square metres for a section (piece of land), although some subdivisions were approved during a brief period which saw some in-fill housing (more sections in a given area).

The village has a fast expanding decile 10 (Beachlands) school - . There is also a kindergarten and several play centres. There are no colleges for students aged 13–18 in the area but there are free buses providing access to schools such as Howick College and Botany Downs Secondary College as well as special character schools such as Elim Christian College, Sancta Maria College, Saint Kentigern College and Star of the Sea primary school.

The fully serviced marina at Pine Harbour includes a ferry service to central Auckland with 20 departures per day in each direction on Mondays to Fridays. In 2015, the 570-berth Pine Harbour Marina and some 9 hectares of associated land were sold for $22 million.[2]

View from Beachlands overlooking Motukaraka Island and the Hauraki Gulf
Cliffside on the bay near Beachlands

Natural attractions in the immediate area include Sunkist Bay Beach, Shelly Beach and Snapper Rock. The Domain is the small park in the centre of Beachlands on the corner of Beachlands Road, Sunkist Bay Road and Karaka Road. Offshore, Motukaraka Island (also known as Flat Top Island or Flat Island) is located near the entrance to Pine Harbour Marina and is accessible at low tide. It is a short walk from the shore.

Te Puru Sports Centre, located in Te Puru Park between Beachlands and Maraetai, is the base for the Te Puru Keas (junior cubs), Cubs, Scouts and Venturers. A gym, tennis, sports fields and a large indoor arena provide a cultural centre that unites Beachlands and neighbouring Maraetai into 'the Pohutukawa Coast' community. The Te Puru Centre was initiated by local effort and fundraising and completed with a 50% grant from former Manukau City Mayor Sir Barry Curtis.

A walkway/cycle-way runs between Maraetai and Beachlands following the coast through Omana and Te Puru.

Notable people

References

  1. ↑ "Beachlands: Options for Sustainable Development" (PDF).
  2. ↑ "Pine Harbour Marina sold for $22m". New Zealand Herald Business. 21 October 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
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