Beachlands, New Zealand

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Beachlands

Beachlands is a large village situated east of Auckland in New Zealand, now rapidly expanding with major housing developments at Pine Harbour and Spinaker Bay. The village is located on the Pohutakawa Coast and in close proximity to the adjoining village of Maraetai. The two areas have a combined population of around 4422 people (2001 Census).

It is a half hour drive to Manukau City Centre by car, or the same time to Auckland City Centre by ferry. Many English migrants and the odd South African have moved into the area in recent years. Houses in old Beachlands often come with a quarter of an acre. The housing ranges from cliff top mansions to rambling and some what run down Baches. The newer areas of Pine Harbour and Spinaker contain modern houses, generally with smaller gardens than in old Beachlands.

Beachlands has a variety of shops which consist of one dairy, one mini supermarket, four hairdressers, one butcher, two takeaways, one bakery, one movie rental store, two estate agents, a pet shop, a café, a medical centre and linked pharmacy. There is also a police station in the high street manned during daytime hours. The Chartered Club in old Beachlands and Gateway Bar and Cafe offer the nearest 'drinking holes'. A new English style pub to be called 'the Jolly Roger' is under construction at Pine Harbour Marina.

The village has a fast expanding decile 10 school. There is also a kindergarten.

The marina at Pine Harbour includes a ferry service to central Auckland with thirteen departures per day in each direction on Mondays to Fridays. A limited service also operates to Waiheke at weekends during holiday periods.

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. Offshore, Motukaraka 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 Mareitei, is the base for the Te Puru Keas, Cubs and Scouts.