Papatoetoe is a culturally diverse suburb in South Auckland, known locally as the “Jewel of the South”, just off the southern motorway. It has two distinct parts; the established old Papatoetoe and newer developments at Hunters Corner. The area has some traditional 1930s bungalows but a large proportion of the properties are good quality, solid brick and tile homes built in the 60s and 70s.
The Barfoot & Thompson office is strategically situated on Great South Road at Hunters Corner, the main shopping street for the area. Hunters Corner has the Hunters Plaza shopping mall which is popular with local residents offering a selection of small independent shops and some well-known chain stores as well as cafés and fast food outlets. Old Papatoetoe also offers a good choice of high street shopping with some good local eateries.
Papatoetoe has a wide selection of primary and intermediate schools including several integrated schools. For secondary education Papatoetoe High School has a good reputation and is a drawcard for families moving into the area.
On the recreation side there are a number of parks and reserves which are popular with local residents. Many of the parks are busy at the weekend with people playing team sports particularly rugby and soccer in the winter. Papatoetoe has a recreation and fi tness centre, the Centennial Pools for swimming and a roller skating rink. Boating and fishing are also popular pastimes with easy access to both the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours.