Swanson is a small semi-rural suburb located 12 kilometres from central Waitakere and approximately 20 kilometres from Auckland City.

Named after William Swanson, one of the earliest pioneers and residents of the area, Swanson, a boatbuilder and cabinetmaker by trade, setting up a timber processing business in the area.

William Swanson was also one of the main architects of the 1877 Education Act, promising as a Member of Parliament to deliver “free education for all”. Swanson Primary School opened in 1888 and is known today for initiating and implementing the concept of ‘free play’, which given Swanson’s backyard, is more than appropriate.

Swanson today is a stunningly beautiful part of Auckland, with newspapers as far back as the 1860s noting the community’s desire to preserve the “natural aesthetics” of Scenic Drive and surrounding areas.  That beauty lives on today with The Cascades, Redwood Park, Waitakere Golf Club, Fairy Falls and Goldie’s Bush Walks nearby.

Living in Swanson, you’re also close to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, Whau River, Bethells (Te Henga), Piha and Muriwai beaches all nearby. The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park is home to some of Auckland and New Zealand’s most-visited natural treasures.

Locals and visitors can explore the lush native rainforest, scenic coastline and windswept black-sand beaches, along with Waitakere Ranges walks. There are a huge range of other activities including horse trekking, hiking, surfing, fishing, boating, swimming and kayaking also available locally.

There has always been a strong sense of community amongst Swanson’s families, which continues to this day with local fairs, school galas and social events being well supported by the local community.  Today’s Swanson railway station and famous cafe was moved from Avondale to its current location in the 1990s, thanks to fundraising efforts by the local community.

You can also enjoy the monthly Sunday Markets in Swanson, which are held on the first Sunday of each month at the Swanson railway station from 8am-12pm.

Swanson was also the home of New Zealand’s first multi-day music festival “Redwood 1970” featuring Bee Gee’s singer Robin Gibb on the land which is now home to Swanson’s Redwood Park Golf Course.

Today, Swanson Village has many interesting local and international businesses operating, with great cafes and shops, with Auckland CBD an electric train ride away, making it a popular choice for families of all ages.  There are a range of houses from modern builds, 1800’s settlers cottages, and lifestyle blocks.