Once upon a time, Beach Haven was just a dream. Imagine holiday homes dotting the landscape. This is Beach Haven on Auckland’s North Shore in New Zealand.
Beach Haven started as a small collection of holiday homes. These homes were part of the larger suburb of Birkdale. Then, something big happened. The Auckland Harbour Bridge opened in 1959. Beach Haven grew quickly after that.
Let’s step back to before European settlers arrived. Thick bush covered the land right to the water’s edge. Pohutukawa trees, ferns and giant kauri trees thrived here. Maori tribes lived in the area. Wars and new guns brought by Hongi Hika decimated them. By 1844, the government bought the land. It became deserted.
Later, one of the first settlers started an orchard near Soldier’s Bay. As kauri trees disappeared, the land proved perfect for growing fruit. Grapes and strawberries especially flourished. Boat builders used most of the removed kauri trees for masts and spurs.
By the 1880s, Beach Haven became a popular summer resort. City dwellers crossed the harbour to Island Bay for holidays. Beach Haven and Birkdale served as market gardens for Auckland. Sawmills and baches were also common.
In 1923, the Birkdale Land Company purchased land near the wharf. They marketed it as the Beach Haven Estate. It was called the Gem of the Waitemata.
After the Harbour Bridge was built, housing subdivisions transformed the area. It became an urban area. Today, Beach Haven covers 3.67 square kilometers.
Beach Haven has a population of about 11,000. The population density is almost 3,000 people per square kilometer.
Beach Haven is part of the North Shore ward. It falls under the Kaipatiki Local Board within the Auckland Council. Before 2010, Birkenhead Borough Council and North Shore City Council administered it.
If you are looking to do some shopping, Beach Haven has a main shopping area. You can find a French cafe, bakeries and even a post office. A gym and a police community constable office are here too.
Do you have kids? Beach Haven has several preschools and a primary school. Churches include Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, Mormon and Assembly Of God.
Beach Haven boasts many beaches perfect for swimming. Charcoal Bay is considered one of the Waitemata Harbour’s most beautiful bays.
The Beach Haven Wharf is a popular spot. The first wharf was built way back in 1887. It was known as Birkdale Wharf or Hellyers Creek Wharf.
Shepherds Park is the biggest park in Beach Haven. A 1.6 km walk winds through native bush beside Oruamo or Hellyers Creek. You can also play squash, bowls or tennis. Rugby and soccer fields are available too. Birkenhead United AFC calls this park home.
Beach Haven offers bus connections to Takapuna and the CBD. The wharf was upgraded for NZ$1.35 million. In 2013, a ferry service to the city began. This eased traffic on Onewa Road. It also serves Glenfield and Birkdale. Beach Haven and Hobsonville wharves are Auckland’s first new ferry services in 50 years.
Don’t forget to visit House of Chocolate. This working chocolate factory was established in 1999.
In 1939, the Beach Haven community built a Methodist church in one day. They used donated timber. The Lifewise trust planned to demolish it for housing units. The community worked together to find a way of keeping the church.
The hip hop artist Sir T. grew up in Beach Haven. He often raps about the area.
Metro magazine once called Beach Haven one of Auckland’s hottest suburbs. It noted the new ferry service and growing community.
Beach Haven’s houses include original baches, 1950s bungalows and architecturally designed homes. Many have waterfront access and jetties.
Beach Haven School and Kauri Park School are local primary schools. Birkenhead College is the local college.
From holiday homes to a thriving community, Beach Haven has transformed. It’s a gem on the Waitemata.