What are great places to live around Auckland, NZ?

Question

I may be moving to Auckland soon, and I was wondering which little towns around it are nice to live in. I like rural settings, especially by the sea. That's how I live here in Otago right now. An hour's drive is fine.

Can you recommend something?

Thanks.

Answer 1

A nice little town, - by the sea, - rural,  hmmm.

Try Waiheke Island, or around the coast near Miranda or Kaiaua.

On the Manukau there's Cornwallis or Clarkes Beach and Waiuku.

All these places are about an hour from Auckland Central and all still have that rural atmosphere, but none will be like Otago.

Answer 2

well...if you dont mind driving a bit i would choose the waitakere ranges (waitakere city) on the west coast...you wont be straight by the sea, but you would have the best beaches ever (Piha, Muriwai, Karekare, Bethels...) so close!!being there is like being somewhere else completely different to auckland, all the bush, rainforest...i am living in the centre now and if i could i would move there! Otherwise, Devonport is a good option too, quiet and nice (by the sea!)

more choices could be found in the North Shore (from Browns Bay up north is beatiful) or...herne bay is quite peaceful and beautiful too!!! Good luck!!!

Answer 3

You are a very brave lad wanting to live 1 hours drive from Auckland City.  If you have to work in central Auckland I wouldn't recommend the journey into town.  It might be 1 hour on a Sunday, but it will be 2 - 3 hours week days in rush hour traffic.  Real scary stuff!!!! LOL

However, if you don't have to travel into the city each day then here's my picks:

North - Warkworth and its great beaches.

South - Clarkes Beach

East - Beachlands, Clevedon

West - Murawai, Piha, Titirangi

We used to live in One Tree Hill when we worked in the city.  It was quick and easy to get to work.

But now we're livin' on the edge and lovin it.

Hope your move goes well. All the best :-)

Answer 4

If you can get a job on the Northshore then live over there.  The East coast beaches on the North shore are awesome.

Devonport (not spelt Davenport) is quite built up, trendy and expensive, but then so is most of the Northshore now.

You do not want to go over the harbour bridge during rush hour. Its a real pain in the ............. so if you are going to work in the city don't live on the Northshore.

If you prefer a wild west coast beach then make sure you get a job and live out west in Titirangi, Kumeu or Waitakere.

The rule is, don't live too far from your job in Auckland as traffic at peak times is really bad. And I mean REALLY BAD!!!!!!

Answer 5

Good answers thus far.

I own two rural properties in the Waiau Pa/Clarkes Beach area.  About an hour into town from there.  Lovely safe spots, but they are 'river mouth and harbour' water views, not 'sea' settings.

If you can get out of the city/suburbs I think you'll enjoy living in Auckland so much more.

Answer 6

My dear friend, if you can effort,I lived in Davenport opposite  Auckland and had to take the ferry everyday. But it  it`s very expensiv in the long run. Have fun.