local’s guide to Blockhouse Bay

Choosing a new home is about more than just the property itself; it’s about finding a community where you can picture your life unfolding. Blockhouse Bay is one of those special Auckland suburbs that offers a genuine village feel, a strong sense of community, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle, all within easy reach of the city. As local experts, we want to share what makes this neighbourhood a place so many people are proud to call home.

The vibe: a connected and diverse community

Blockhouse Bay has a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a well-established suburb with a diverse and vibrant community of over 13,000 residents. The median age is 38.6 years, reflecting a balanced mix of young families, established professionals, and long-time residents who have loved the area for decades. It’s a truly multicultural community, with over half of residents identifying as Asian, and significant European, Pasifika, and Māori populations, creating a rich cultural fabric.

The heart of the suburb is the Blockhouse Bay Village, a convenient hub where you’ll find everything you need. There’s a supermarket for your groceries, a post office, hairdressers, and a great selection of local cafes and restaurants. It’s the kind of place where local business owners know their customers by name, adding to the strong community feel.

The lifestyle: green spaces and coastal living

One of the biggest draws of Blockhouse Bay is its incredible access to parks and the Manukau Harbour. It’s a suburb that encourages an active, outdoor lifestyle.

Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve: This is a popular spot for families year-round. It features a fantastic pirate-themed playground for the kids, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, and a lovely beach. It’s the starting point for the Te Ara o Tiriwa / Green Bay Path, a scenic 3km coastal walkway with spectacular views.
Gittos Domain: For a peaceful escape, this large nature reserve offers walking tracks through native coastal forest. It’s a beautiful spot for a weekend walk, with glimpses of the harbour through the pōhutukawa trees.
Blockhouse Bay Recreation Reserve: This is the hub for local sports, with well-maintained sports fields, a volleyball court, fitness equipment, and another great playground for children.

The suburb is also home to active local sports clubs, including the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club, which boasts five indoor and five outdoor courts, and the Blockhouse Bay Bowling Club, one of the largest in Auckland.

The homes: a classic Kiwi neighbourhood

Blockhouse Bay is known for its solid, reliable housing stock. The majority of homes were built in the 1960s, meaning you’ll find many classic weatherboard and brick bungalows on generous sections. These properties are popular with families and those looking for a home with character and a proper backyard. The median asking price for a home in the area is around $1,000,000, and properties typically sell in about 33 days.

For the family: excellent local schools

For families, school zones are a top priority, and Blockhouse Bay is well-served by a number of highly regarded schools. The suburb is part of a strong Community of Learning (Kāhui Ako) that ensures a smooth educational pathway for students.

Primary Schools: Options include Blockhouse Bay Primary School, St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School, and Glenavon School.
Intermediate: Blockhouse Bay Intermediate is a popular choice for the middle years, known for its inclusive and supportive environment.
Secondary: The suburb is in zone for the well-regarded Lynfield College.

Note: School decile ratings were replaced by the Equity Index (EQI) system in 2023. We recommend checking specific school websites for enrolment and zoning information.

Getting around: transport and commuting

While it feels like a peaceful retreat, Blockhouse Bay is very well-connected. It offers a straightforward commute to the CBD and easy access to other parts of Auckland.

By Bus: Regular bus services connect the suburb to the city. The journey to the CBD typically takes around 25-30 minutes, with buses running frequently, especially during peak hours.
By Car: The suburb’s location provides convenient access to the State Highway 20 motorway, making it easy to travel to the airport, south Auckland, or connect to the Western Ring Route.