Wellsford is the northernmost major settlement in the Greater Auckland region, nearly half way between Auckland and Whangarei. It may have a small population of only 2000, but it is a spot on the rise – and for very good reasons.
Major construction of the new four-lane motorway, Ara Tuhono between Puhoi and Warkworth, completing in late 2021, will then extend to Wellsford. Such improved access will really increase the town’s popularity. With housing costing significantly less than spots closer to Auckland, a number of sub-divisions are already being marketed with that future growth in mind.
Wellsford could conceivably become a satellite town, perhaps not of Auckland city itself, but of its ever-expanding northern settlements, such as Albany, Coatesville or Silverdale.
Who lives here and what do they do?
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Wellsford inhabitants are an interesting bunch. While many are from second and third-generation local families, others are more recent arrivals – early engagers, escaping the big smoke with an entrepreneurial eye to the future. They all point to the fact that there are hidden depths to this town which don’t immediately meet the eye.
Locals new and old emphasise that their burg is a place which is genuinely worthy of more than a simple pit-stop to fill up the petrol tank or buy snacks en route to Northland. Like those in many other small New Zealand towns, Wellsford’s residents have made the most of new technology in order to promote their community and its diverse advantages. The town’s Instagram page showcases a picturesque spot that’s full of interesting history and natural attractions.
Wellsford serves as a hub for smaller, surrounding rural settlements and has some lovely decorating and vintage stores. The very popular Retro on Rodney which, as its name suggests, sells vintage homewares and specialises in animal hide rugs. Many of the locals are involved in farming, retail and general services, and there are great artisan food producers in surrounding countryside.
What’s to love?
The town itself has an eclectic mix of shops and businesses. For such a small spot there are an impressive number of eateries with globally inspired offerings, including Japanese at Sushi Gallery, Italian at La Padella, Indian at Butter Chicken Box, and kebabs at Nik’s.
Nature lovers will enjoy walking and hiking in Pakiri Regional Park or, nearer to town, at Currys Bush, full of mature kahikatea forest. Auckland’s newest regional park, Atiu Creek is right on the doorstep, and the town considers itself the crossroads between north and south, east and west. Horse-trekking and surfing are closely with surfers lucky to choose between Mangawhai Heads, Pakiri, Langs Beach or Waipu Cove. And it goes without saying that the local fishing is excellent in the Kaipara Harbour.
Buying and selling
Wellsford real estate is an interesting pot-pourri of possibilities. The growth in median property value over the past few years has been one of the most impressive in the Auckland region. But that’s from a pretty low base, so it remains one of greater Auckland’s most affordable towns.
This November’s median value $553,000 is up 1.3 percent from last November’s, but the real growth is over the past three years: median values are up by 23 percent. The highest sale price to August this year was, a bargain for Auckland, $1,080,000.
Mark Macky, director of Bayleys in the North, is very pleased with the state of the town’s property market and sees potential for more homebuyers to escape the big smoke in the future.
He says that many locals already commute south each day, regarding the extra time and distance as the price to pay for having a nice property in a great setting.
“I would suggest that anybody who can work remotely will have it made here.
“You can still find entry-level prices in the $400,000 plus range. There are a wide variety of properties from character bungalows, through to solid 1950s and 1960s stock.
Macky says that Wellsford has a good heart and is a great environment for families, with well-regarded schools.
“It’s has loads of appeal in terms of lifestyle and I think it will only get more popular in future. I’ve seen buyers snap up some really nice properties so if you want to be in the game here the idea is to come quickly!”
