Hurstmere

Tucked away on Auckland’s North Shore, Hurstmere Road pulsates with a vibrant energy. It’s more than just a street. It’s a story etched in time, a tapestry woven with threads of history and commerce. Hurstmere Road takes its name from William John Hurst, a prominent figure in Auckland’s early days. He wasn’t just a landowner. He was a mayor, a member of parliament, and a lover of nature, planting many of the city’s oldest trees. Imagine Hurstmere Road in 1958, buzzing with anticipation for the opening of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. A new clothing store, Rendell’s, opened its doors, eager to cater to the growing community. The same spot later housed Postie Plus. In 2017, Auckland Council purchased the building, eventually demolishing it in 2019 to create a town square. Hurstmere Road has always been a hub of activity. From fashion boutiques to bustling department stores, it has catered to every need. Remember the old Woolworths, stretching between Hurstmere and Lake Road? Today, it’s home to a variety of restaurants and the House of Travel. Next door, the former Dyer’s Butchery, now the John Greer Building, houses Retrospace. Across the street, the former Takapuna Post Office, opened in 1964, stood proudly opposite the Halls Building. Upscale shops lined the street, offering jewellery, footwear, and fine menswear. The ASB building, a constant presence since the mid-1960s, once housed an arcade filled with health and lifestyle stores. Further down Hurstmere Road towards Milford, you would have found government offices, now transformed into the Eat Street food court. A mix of businesses occupied the nearby buildings, from fabric stores to cozy cafes. The Parkway Arcade, the oldest on Hurstmere Road, stands as a testament to the area’s enduring charm. Across the street, Augustine, a designer women’s clothing boutique, now occupies the space once held by Roberts Electrical, a beloved local business that operated from 1927 to 2006. And what about the former Takapuna Post Office? It became a KiwiBank branch before the post office moved again to Paper Plus in 2019. Hurstmere Road is a testament to Takapuna’s vibrant past and its exciting present. It’s a place where history and modernity intertwine, offering something for everyone.