Popular with Dutch and English immigrants in the 1950s and 1960s, this area has long been more “exotic” than more staunchly Kiwi areas. Asian immigrants once came here in droves but now seem to prefer the newer eastern suburbs of Dannemora and Cumbria Downs. Many English and South Africans have dipped their toes into the Howick waters and pronounced them worthy of a long-term soak. There’s a strong sense of community here. Not all of the youngsters grow up and leave either, with many choosing to live as young professionals and students near the town centre. Local retirees are downsizing into the new apartments. It’s a great spot for sailors, and as you’d expect, and around the waterfront properties you’ll find some folk with fairly deep pockets.

Howick’s gradual development has resulted in an interesting mix of century-old cottages and villas along with mid-20th-century brick- and-tile or weatherboard homes. It is a comparatively wealthy area, so homes tend to be well maintained. The influx of Asian buyers has meant that many homes have a Botany Downs-style grandeur with double-height porticos and classical-style pillars. A heritage zone has been imposed on the seaward side of Bleakhouse Rd, which means the sections can’t be smaller than 1400m². In other areas, large sections have succumbed to in-fill housing, particularly in the popular Macleans College zone. Oceania is a new 19-site development in Oceania Place. In central Howick one multi-storey apartment development is planned in Park Hill Rd and another in Wellington St. A 34-unit luxury apartment/retail development is shaping up on the old Howickville Mall site.