Forrest Hill was one of the first “modern” suburbs to be developed as the North Shore began to boom in the 1960’s and 70’s after the Auckland Harbour Bridge was completed. The Northern Motorway at that time ended at Tristram Avenue, and Forrest Hill soon became a suburb of choice for families wanting convenient and affordable homes.
Now over 5000 people live here, with a growing population of average New Zealanders, of every nationality, with Europeans making up about 50% of the population. You can find out more at Statistics New Zealand.
The area is a haven of average family homes, with the best streets on the crest of the hill, in Grenada Avenue, Catalina Crescent and Longwood Drive. you can see more at Zoodle. Many homes are being renovated as people add value and upgrade these solid high quality homes built using traditional techniques and architecture. There are a few outstanding examples of 1970’s flair, so if you are looking for a little bit of different, this is your suburb!
Transport
Forrest Hill is well served by public transport, there are two Northern Busway Bus Stations nearby at Sunnynook and Smales Farm. Additioanlly there are great services along Sunnynook Road, Forrest Hill road and other main roads. Check out the timetable here: www.maxx.co.nz. There is a motorway connection at Tristram Avenue and if you need a cab, try North Shore Taxis.
North Shore City Council is establishing cycle routes on the North Shore and a cycle path is currently (2009) being established along East Coast Road and Forrest Hill Road, especially for students at Forrest Hill Primary and Westlake High Schools.
Schools
Forrest Hill has 4 high schools. Westlake Boys High School was established in 1961, while just down the road is Westlake Girls High School, both schools have over 2000 students each. Nearby are Carmel College and Rosmini College, high schools teaching in the Catholic tradition. These four high schools are the only single sex schools on the North Shore, many families choose to live here so their teenagers can attend. These schools are Decile 9, reflecting the affluence of the surrounding suburbs.
Serving these schools in Forrest Hill are two primary schools. Forrest Hill Primary celebrated its 50th anniversary in May, 2009 and Sunnynook Primary has just celebrated 40 years, and the Intermediate Schools of Takapuna Normal, (so called as it was attached to a now closed teacher’s college, and Wairau Intermediate.
Clubs and Sport
Forrest Hill, typically for the North Shore, has a wealth of sporting and recreational clubs. Heres a selection:
- Soccer: Forrest Hill AFC.
- Tennis: Tennis Northern, a thriving tennis club in Bond Street.
- Golf: The Pupuke Golf Club, this spectacular course overlooks the Hauraki Gulf.
- Badminton: Badminton North Harbour, The centre for Badminton is in Bond Street stadium.
Parklane Retirement Village
In Auckland, few retirement villages exist so close to a major shopping centre or are located within a high quality residential suburb. There are 99 villas situated on over 5 hectares.
Shopping
Major shopping centres and supermarkets are nearby in Milford, Mairangi Bay, Sunnynook, and in Glenfield. Local Shopping is by way of 4 small neighbourhood shopping centres in Raines Avenue, at the top of Forrest Hill Road, in Grenada Avenue and also in William Souter Street.
Medical and Veterinary
There are a wealth of medical facilities including nearby North Shore Hospital:
- Vein and Laser Group: Offers specialist treatment of varicose veins and other skin treatments.
- Forrest Hill Physiotherapy; comprehensive physio and rehabilitative treatments.
- Hands On Rehabilitation: especially for hand and upper limb injuries.
- Forrest Hill Family Medical Centre: at 1/1 Grenada Ave, Forrest Hill, call 09 410 5411.
- North Shore Hearing are out to improve your hearing, affordably.
- Pasifika Integrated Healthcare is about promoting and supporting people’s health and sustainable wellbeing.
