Maupuia
Larger family homes at reasonable prices
Overview
Maupuia developed over about 50 years and contains an interesting mix of 1970s semi-detached townhouses and large blocks of flats, interspersed with some quite grand family homes. Many dwellings on the western side of the suburb enjoy spectacular views over the inner harbour. Because the suburb lacks cohesiveness and character, prices are more affordable and you can get a much larger home for your money, than you would in other nearby localities like Seatoun.
Best Suited To
Large families wanting a view, but on a more restricted budget.
Population Profile
Maupuia residents are an interesting blend of ages, cultures, and levels of affluence. The suburb is diverse, with just 60% from European backgrounds (Wellington average of 76%). A significant number of residents indicate their place of birth as being outside of New Zealand; many from India, Iraq, Samoa and Cambodia.
Higher density housing is more prevalent here, as is social housing. Thirty nine percent of the population indicated they were in some form of social housing (Wellington average 28%). Age data shows a trend similar to other outlying suburbs. There is an above average number of pre-schoolers and a lesser number of young adults at tertiary and early workforce age. This indicates that the area is dominated by families with younger children.
Typical Homes
There are three or four distinctive housing types in Maupuia. The lower fringes of the suburb were developed in the early part of the twentieth century. Here you will find a limited number of bungalows and art deco styled dwellings from the 1920s and 1930s.
In the 1950s and 1960s, as the suburb extended up the hillside, typical-kiwi weatherboard housing became prevalent. A further period of building activity occurred in the 1970s and 1980s and this is the period when many of the townhouses were erected.
The 1990s saw the most recent burst of building activity, mostly larger family homes to the northern corner of the suburb.
Amenities
There are no shopping services within Maupuia. The suburb borders Miramar, where there are a good range of shopping services. More extensive services are available in Kilbirnie, a short drive to the west.
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There are no schools in Maupuia itself. The nearest primary schools are Miramar North School, Miramar Central School, Miramar Christian School and Holy Cross School. The nearest secondary schools are Scots College (boys private), Rongotai College (boys), St Patrick’s (boys) and St Catherine’s (girls).
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The Maupuia walkway is a popular walking track amoung locals, including dog walkers. The track meanders just below the ridgeline and offers panoramic views over Wellington’s inner harbour. It’s possible to take a path down to the waterfront, although we understand there are up to 200 steps and the going is quite uneven. From the bottom of the track there is a pleasant walk around the waterfront to Shelly Bay, once home to the popular but now closed, Chocolate Fish Café.
Massey Memorial, a rather grand edifice to a previous Prime Minister, is situated to the northern tip of Maupuia. It is accessed via a well-formed path off Shelly Bay Road (some parking available) and is a pleasant spot for a picnic on a sunny day.
Real Estate Trends
Large properties with wide harbour views have attracted prices in excess of $1.5 million, but sales in recent years have been few and far between. Larger homes are now more likely to sell in the $1.2 million to $1.5 million range.
Typical 1970s and 1980s homes will sell in the $700,000 to $1 million bracket; where they fall in this range is dependent on their size and the views on offer.
First home and budget buyers can pick up one of the many semi-detached townhouses, for between $450,000 and $800,000.
Best Streets
Countess Close is a small cul-de-sac at the northern end of the suburb. It contains a number of large homes built in the 1990s, all enjoying panoramic harbour views. Homes on the seaward side of Kaikoura Street are sought after for their unrestricted harbour views.
House Prices
Basic 1950s to 1970s weatherboard home, limited views, from $700,000.
Larger 1970s or 1980s home, with some water views, from $950,000.
Semi-detached two bedroom unit, with some views, from $500,000.
Large executive standard home, unrestricted views, from $1.2 million.
Travel Times
Central city – driving, 15 minutes non-peak, up to 30 minutes peak.
Airport – driving, five minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving, 25 minutes non-peak.
Weather
Maupuia is exposed to the weather due to its hilltop position. Homes facing north, without shelter, will feel the full brunt of Wellington’s notorious northerlies. Homes on the lower slopes, facing east and south, will have far less wind to deal with but may suffer from some winter shading.