May 3, 2021
Paritai Drive, in the suburb of Orakei, is one of Auckland’s most exclusive addresses. The Drive follows around a point with expansive views of the harbor. The houses come in all shapes, styles and ages but only one size, extra large.
Dwarfing its already large neighbors is one of New Zealand’s most expensive houses. Taking up three lots, it has a tennis court, indoor and outdoor pools, parking for twelve cars and seven bedrooms. It is hard to see from the photo just how big it is, but take our word for it, it is truly enormous. When it last changed hands it was for the princely sum of 39 million dollars.
Here are some of the views that make the address so desirable.
For some reason, it seems to be the practice in New Zealand to cover houses that are being built or renovated with plastic. We can only hope that it is reused, or at a minimum, recycled.
In the neighborhood behind Paritai Drive, the houses are generally less grand but no less interesting.
There were also some cool small apartment buildings.
The eastern end of Paritai Drive overlooks Okahu Bay. The name comes from the Maori, Okahu, meaning “the home of Kahu”. It was once the site of the home village of the Ngati Whatua iwi (tribe). However, in 1952, the Auckland City Council, deeming the village “a dreadful eyesore and potential disease center”, relocated the residents and razed the village. The move was, probably, precipitated by Elizabeth II’s royal tour of later that year. Today it is a popular bay where you can rent outrigger kayaks.
Go for a run
Or just sit and enjoy the view.
Across Tamaki Drive from the beach is a large sports ground used for cricket and rugby. There is also an adventure playground, complete with thatched roof.
The village may be gone but the Maori cemetery remains.
At the eastern edge of the bay is Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. The aquarium is located below ground and, ingeniously, has been repurposed from no longer used storm water and sewage tanks. It holds over 1,500 fish, including stingrays and sharks. There is also a colony of king penguins and gentoo penguins.
Mal and Lauren 