Parakai & South Head

Parakai was traditionally a summer camp for Māori as in addition to being great source of eels, other food and flax it is also the only geothermal spring in the area.

Thermal baths were set up by 1892, and following 40 years of development and construction, Parakai in the mid 1920s was in the midst of a boom, with more visitors on weekends and public holidays than the accommodation could cater for. The natural thermal springs had gained a reputation for relieving many health problems and during the Second World War, the pools became popular with visiting American servicemen.

Amenities in Parakai today include two public hot water pool complexes, a supermarket, primary school and kindergarten. With one large subdivision just completed and others on the drawing board, the population of around 800 is set grow rapidly.

South Head has some of Auckland's most spectacular regional parks that also the districts best kept secret. You can visit and probably be the only person gazing out across the Kaipara Harbour.

Go to our What's On page for updates on what's happening in the area.

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