Westmere

What secrets does Westmere hold? Westmere in Auckland is a captivating neighbourhood. It whispers tales of a rich past, from its Māori roots to its transformation into a vibrant suburb. Westmere sits on the southern shore of the Waitematā Harbour. It’s a quick six-kilometre trip west of Auckland’s city centre. Before European settlers arrived, Westmere, along with nearby Herne Bay, Coxs Bay, and Grey Lynn, served as important transit points. These areas were rich in food sources, including abundant seafood as evidenced by middens found along Westmere’s coast. Māori also harvested flax from the wetlands of Coxs Bay, known as Opoutukeha or Opou. They used this flax to create rope and clothing fibres. Interestingly, Westmere wasn’t initially part of the land gifted to the government in 1840. Opoutukeha, Coxs Creek, served as the boundary. Land lots in Westmere were auctioned off starting in 1844. Originally, Westmere belonged to a district called Richmond, encompassing Coxs Bay and part of Grey Lynn. The main road, initially Wolseley Rd, was renamed Garnet Rd in 1917. Westmere’s transformation began with the Westmere Estate development in 1923. This central part of the peninsula, stretching from Nottingham St to Warwick Ave, solidified the name “Westmere.” “Mere,” meaning “lake” in British English, reflects the lake-like body of water formed by the causeway at Coxs Creek, which later became West End Road. The suburb’s growth continued through land reclamation and further development. Westmere has a blend of housing. Much of the early housing was in the Californian bungalow style, built for workers and tradespeople. Today, the area is predominantly middle class, with property values reflecting the desirable location and harbour views. Westmere offers a mix of modern amenities. There are restaurants, cafes, shops, and even a wine shop. Nearby Cox’s Bay Reserve provides a green escape, with its boardwalk, sports fields, and playgrounds. In recent times, Westmere has made headlines for its high property values. It once boasted the most expensive state house in New Zealand. In 2020, a house on Rawene Ave sold for a staggering $17.68 million. That same year, another Westmere mansion set a record, selling for $24 million. Westmere is more than just expensive real estate. It’s a neighbourhood steeped in history, shaped by its connection to the harbour and the lives of the people who have called it home. From Māori settlements to modern-day mansions, Westmere continues to evolve, making it a truly unique part of Auckland.