Before Hillcrest existed there was Sunnybrae. Mr Nicholson’s farm sprawled across western Northcote. But developer Ewen Allison had a different vision. He saw potential not in Sunnybrae but in Hillcrest a name that perfectly captured the area’s rolling hills.
Hillcrest Auckland is more than just a collection of houses. It’s a story etched in sandstone. Millions of years ago this land lay beneath the sea. Waitemata Group sandstone formed on the ocean floor. Then tectonic forces lifted it high creating the hills we see today.
Long before houses and roads Maori people lived here. They harvested resources from the rich forests. Poor clay soils though made permanent settlement difficult. Hillcrest’s history as a suburb is relatively recent. Its transformation began in the 1960s and 70s. The construction of the Auckland Harbour Bridge opened up the North Shore. Hillcrest flourished becoming a sought-after residential area.
During World War II a military camp stood where houses now stand. Camp Hillcrest first housed New Zealand soldiers. Later it became a base for the United States Army. The creek running through Hillcrest holds a special place in local history. It’s known as Wakatatere The Drifting Canoe. The name remembers a tapu a sacred object that drifted into the stream long ago.
Hillcrest’s highest point reaches 98 meters above sea level. Speedy Crescent residents enjoy the breathtaking views. Another hill near Pupuke Road once known as Clay Hill is 88 meters high. It now houses a reservoir and pump station. Hillcrest today is a vibrant community. Two primary schools Sunnybrae Normal School and Willow Park School educate its children. McFetridge Park offers fields for cricket and football. Gurdwara Sahib North Shore a Sikh temple stands proudly on Sunnybrae Road. A testament to the diversity that makes Hillcrest so unique. The Northcote Baptist Church also stands as a symbol of the community’s spirit.
Hillcrest Auckland is a place where history geology and community intertwine. A suburb with a rich past and a vibrant present. It is a testament to the dynamic evolution of Auckland itself. Enjoy the views. Enjoy the stories. Enjoy Hillcrest.