First Residents Move to Exclusive Pararēkau Island in Auckland

A luxury residential development in South Auckland has officially welcomed its first residents after more than a decade of planning and construction. Pararēkau Island, located in Karaka, is now accessible to a select group of homeowners via a newly constructed causeway, which restricts access to vehicles belonging only to residents. Lot prices on the island range from $1.6 million to $3.5 million for premium locations.

The island’s transformation began when the Environment Court approved a subdivision plan in 2012. Developers Ian and James Ross committed to enhancing public access by constructing a coastal walkway around the island. Since then, the project has evolved, culminating in the first residents moving in during December 2023. Currently, four additional homes are nearing completion, with a total of 116 freehold sections available on the island; 103 titles have already been issued, with approximately 50 percent of the lots sold.

Among the first residents are Paul and Mary Kenny, who previously lived in nearby Papakura for 45 years. They discovered the island while exploring housing options in the adjacent Karaka Harbourside development. After learning that titles for the island were imminent, the couple arranged a visit that solidified their decision. Paul Kenny remarked, “One visit and considerable research was all it took for Mary to say ‘I could live there,’ and the rest, as they say, was history.”

The couple expressed their appreciation for the island’s serene environment and stunning views across the inner reaches of Manukau Harbour. They also noted that they looked forward to welcoming new neighbors as more homes are completed.

Concerns about future sea level rise have been raised in comments on social media regarding the island’s location. Paul Kenny addressed these concerns, stating, “Both the council and the developer had exhaustively canvassed the potential for this, and their collective pronouncements, along with our own observations, made us feel very comfortable.”

Andrew Frost, general manager of Ross Holdings, confirmed that the island’s lowest section is 6.5 meters above sea level and meets the Auckland Council‘s 100-year sea level rise criteria. He dismissed many online comments as the opinions of “keyboard warriors,” emphasizing the thorough assessments conducted before proceeding with the subdivision. “The council would never have allowed us to do the subdivision unless it was safe to do so,” Frost added.

Pararēkau Island is distinguished as New Zealand’s only gated community island. Access is tightly controlled, with vehicles requiring a code to pass through the gates. A pedestrian gate allows non-residents to walk around the island between the hours of 07:00 and 19:00, but vehicular access remains restricted without resident permission.

As the first residents settle into their new homes, Pararēkau Island marks a new chapter in luxury living in South Auckland, blending privacy with a commitment to community and environmental safety.