What makes the North Shore’s well-connected ‘gateway’ so appealing? Enjoy stylish beach living and CBD convenience! Experienced agents reveal the Northcote you may not know

Few areas get Auckland’s Chinese community talking quite like the North Shore. Homes are generally in good condition, everyday life is convenient and the scenery is beautiful. But for people commuting to the CBD or other areas, the transport costs of living in some parts of the North Shore can be a real headache. Is there somewhere that combines this relaxed, refined lifestyle with convenient transport? There certainly is: Northcote, known as the North Shore’s ‘gateway’!

Where is Northcote?

Northcote is known as the North Shore’s ‘gateway’ because it is almost the first suburb you reach after crossing the Harbour Bridge. If you want to live close to beautiful beaches and parks while staying near the city, Northcote is an ideal choice.

Northcote enjoys a prime location in the heart of Auckland’s North Shore. It faces Auckland’s CBD across the harbour, just 5–6 kilometres away, with quick access via the Harbour Bridge. It borders the established middle-class suburbs of Hillcrest and Birkenhead, and Takapuna is only 3 kilometres away.

Before the Harbour Bridge was built, Northcote played a vital role in ferry services and was a bustling gathering place on the North Shore. With fewer ferries now operating, it has gradually returned to a quiet, peaceful way of life.

What is it like to live in Northcote?

Whether travelling by car or public transport, Northcote, the suburb closest to the city centre, has distinct advantages. It is close to the Northern Busway, Harbour Bridge and motorway, with several bus routes running directly to Auckland’s CBD. Akoranga Station offers a direct bus service to Auckland International Airport.

Living here puts all kinds of amenities popular with the Chinese community within easy reach. The area has large Chinese supermarkets, a Countdown supermarket, Tong Ren Tang and numerous Asian restaurants, earning it the nickname ‘Little Asia’.

The area’s educational options also attract attention. It is close to AUT’s North Shore campus, and several streets in the north are in the Westlake Girls’ High School zone. The main local secondary school is Northcote College, and the intermediate school is Northcote Intermediate. Several church schools are also nearby.

Future development

Auckland Council regards Northcote as a priority area for investment and is progressing plans to upgrade its centre. By 2025, more than 1500 new homes and three parks are expected to be built near the old centre, alongside upgrades to existing parks. The redevelopment of the older commercial centre will also bring residents more amenities, including a large supermarket, a multipurpose activity centre and a spacious community square.

Overall, Northcote’s excellent location, comprehensive amenities and abundant natural assets have attracted considerable attention, making it a major investment focus for Auckland Council and developers. Its potential for capital growth speaks for itself. As upgrades and development continue, Northcote will undoubtedly become an even more liveable, thriving and vibrant community.

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YIJU New Zealand interviewed two experienced real estate agents from Barfoot & Thompson to share with readers the firsthand experiences that come with living in Northcote.

Rocky Liu

Residential Sales Northcote Branch

Doris Tang

Associate Salesperson Northcote Branch

YIJU: If you had to describe Northcote in three key phrases, what would they be?

Rocky Liu: Convenient transport, urban renewal and business opportunities!

YIJU: What is Northcote’s property market like at present? What are your predictions for future house price trends?

Rocky Liu: Northcote has an excellent location, but its house prices differ considerably from those in Takapuna, just across the motorway, leaving plenty of room for growth. As the suburb undergoes a comprehensive upgrade, new apartment buildings, townhouses and standalone homes are springing up. With new green spaces, parks and an overall plan for the commercial centre, Northcote will undergo a dramatic transformation.

YIJU: What advantages does Northcote offer residents?

Doris Tang: It has easy motorway access and sits in the heart of the North Shore, making travel to either the city centre or Albany convenient. Northcote’s land is very flat, with few slopes, shopping is convenient and homes offer good value for money.

YIJU: What potential does Northcote offer investors for capital growth?

Doris Tang: Convenient transport makes properties easy to rent out, with high investment returns and strong potential for capital growth!

YIJU: Which properties currently on the market would you particularly recommend?

Doris Tang: We recommend our listing—

????218 Lake Rd Northcote????

????In the heart of the North Shore, brand-new homes with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, a development of 14 townhouses offering understated luxury is now on the market;

????An excellent Northcote location, with convenient transport;

????Modern design, spacious and light-filled, every bedroom has its own en suite, and every detail reflects the owner’s care and consideration;

????How can you find peace of mind and a tranquil retreat amid busy city life,? Visit Takapuna Centre, the commercial hub, with its many cafés and restaurants, or stroll along the beach, or feed the ducks beside Lake Pupuke, all within a 5-minute drive;

????Drive for 2 minutes to reach State Highway 1, walk to Smales Farm bus station, and connect seamlessly with public transport;

????An internal-access garage, fully fenced garden and deck, with plenty of outdoor space!