Warkworth, and Snells Beach are two of a number of coastal and inland settlements making up the North of Rodney, one of New Zealand’s fastest growing regions. 

Warkworth's bustling village life.

Lifestyle blocks, retirement housing and baches are key features while  primary production is still  very significant and forestry occupies about 29,579 hectares.

Rodney North has a stable climate with an average winter temperature of 11 degrees C, working its way up in summer to 18 degrees C – although it can  reach as high as  30 degrees C.   Equally important to those who choose to live by the water is the water temperature which has been reported as being  between 14 and 22 degrees.

Once a popular spot for the great kiwi bach, Snells Beach and Algies Bay, are now  predominantly residential areas with a greater combined population than Warkworth itself. According to the 2006 census,  Warkworth town’s population is around  3,270, while  the Snells Beach/Algies/Mahurangi area eclipses Warkworth, with  4,170.

For those looking to move to the area there is considerable variation in the size of property within the region, depending on whether you are looking for bare land or something that has been developed. Bare land, from around a hectare to ten hectares, and with a rural outlook but not extensive views can be found starting for around  $300,000.

“We have a small plot, around an acre with very good views, which is priced in the $400,000s.

“There is also a much bigger plot of around 33 acres in the middle million mark, so you can see it does depend on the quality of land and the outlook, but all of these are within about 10km of Warkworth centre,” director of Bayleys North of Auckland Mark Macky  told Rural Living.

“If you were looking for an ‘entry level’ house on land, then we have a couple with around 1.5 hectares with prices in the $500,000s. Anything at the top end of the market, up to around 30 acres you are still looking at two million plus.

“There is less movement at the higher end of the market, and generally the more expensive they are the slower they are to move. It is probably fair to say there are currently more listings than buyers, but the last quarter of 2009 has seen a steady return of transactions over $1m.”

Mr Macky said access to North Rodney has helped maintain interest in the market but the Motorway has underpinned the values and there has not  been a speculative bubble as a result of the new section.

“Generally speaking the vast majority of our clients are happier with the idea of being a part of the Super City than joining Kaipara DC, but then again there are a number of rural clients who have deep concerns about the Auckland city politicos’ understanding of farming and rural matters!”

Warkworth

The Rotunda.

Founded by John Anderson Brown in 1853 from Warkworth, Northumberland in England, Warkworth began as 153 acres, a plan to subdivide and a timber mill.

Brown allocated land for the Anglican Church and its cemetery and named Warkworth’s streets in honour of the noble families of Northumberland (Percy and Neville) and neighbouring English villages, such as Alnwick, Morpeth and Hexham.

Brown, a timber merchant recognised the significance of the river and set up a timber mill to take advantage of the principal means of transport in and out of the area. Brown’s Mill  - as Warkworth was then known – was established. 

The river remained the town’s lifeline, with steamboats providing the only link from Warkworth to Auckland until the 1930s.

While much coveted Kauri timber was responsible for putting Warkworth on the map and farming soon became a major industry, the town became home to a  lime and cement works which started in 1865 and cement  made in Warkworth was used in the 1910  construction of Auckland’s Grafton Bridge. At the time Grafton Bridge was  the largest concrete bridge in the world.

In the 1920’s fruit production began to rival cement in popularity and remains a vital contributor to the economy with vineyards, apples, citrus and  persimmons all flourishing in the area.

Te Kawerau is the earliest remembered tangata whenua (of  the Mahurangi river. These people descended from the Ngati Awa and trace their roots back to the ancient peoples of the early canoe Moekakara said to have landed on Goat Island.

SNELLS BEACH

The joys of summer st Snells beach, an amazing destination for holiday makers and residents alike. Photo courtesy Snells Beach Motel.

Situated on the eastern coast of the Mahurangi Peninsula and its main beach having amazing views facing Kawau Island, Snells Beach is considered an  amazing destination for holiday makers and residents alike. 

Just 10 minutes drive from Warkworth and less than an hour from Auckland City, Snells Beach can be used as a starting point for visiting the stunning north east coast.  

Historic Mansion House, the former residence, on Kawau Island, of New Zealand’s first Governor General – Governor Grey,  has been beautifully restored and is the focus of a great day doing the Mail Run aboard the very comfortable Kawau Kat catamaran, with plenty of time for swims, or walks to the abandoned copper mine or over the island.

Nearby Goat Island is New Zealand’s world famous first Marine Park, where the fish are so friendly you have to see to believe it. If you don’t like to get your feet wet take the Glass Bottom Boat for a full commentry and view of the wonderful marine life, reefs, caves and seabirds in their natural habitat.