Forrest Hill is a quiet residential North Shore suburb between Takapuna and Glenfield — established family residential with good local schools, walking access to Lake Pupuke, and easy SH1 motorway access for CBD commuting via the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Practical Information
| Location | North Shore Auckland, between Takapuna and Glenfield |
| Distance to CBD | ~12 km — about 20 min drive via SH1 and Auckland Harbour Bridge |
| Local board | Devonport-Takapuna Local Board |
| Standout features | Forrest Hill Primary, Westlake schools nearby, Lake Pupuke access, SH1 motorway connectivity |
| Transport | Frequent buses on Forrest Hill Road; SH1 motorway access |
| Character | Quiet family residential with strong school zones |
About Forrest Hill
Forrest Hill is a quiet residential North Shore suburb — established streets dominated by post-war brick-and-tile houses and weatherboard bungalows with substantial gardens, increasingly mixed with newer infill housing. The suburb’s central position between Takapuna and Glenfield makes it a practical family destination with good local amenities and rapid SH1 motorway access for CBD commuting.
Schools and Family Demographic
Forrest Hill falls within several well-regarded North Shore school zones — Forrest Hill School (primary), with the highly-rated Westlake Boys High School and Westlake Girls High School secondary zones extending into the suburb. The combination of strong primary and secondary school access drives much of Forrest Hill’s family demographic. The Forrest Hill Skatepark on Forrest Hill Road is a popular local family destination.
Lake Pupuke Access
Forrest Hill sits within walking distance of Lake Pupuke — Auckland’s only sizeable urban freshwater lake, accessible via the Killarney Park access point on the western shore. Summer swimming, kayaking, and walking around the lake’s perimeter are popular Forrest Hill activities. The combination of lake access plus the Pupuke Boat Ramp Reserve nearby completes the picture.
Where to Learn More
Westlake Boys High School — local zoned secondary school.
Westlake Girls High School — local zoned secondary school.
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board — local government area.
Auckland Council — Lake Pupuke — nearby lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Forrest Hill?
North Shore Auckland between Takapuna and Glenfield. ~12 km from CBD.
What schools are in Forrest Hill?
Forrest Hill School (primary); Westlake Boys and Westlake Girls high schools serve much of the suburb.
What’s the character?
Quiet family residential, mostly post-war houses with substantial gardens.
How do I get to the CBD?
~20-min drive via SH1 and Auckland Harbour Bridge in off-peak conditions.
Can I access Lake Pupuke from Forrest Hill?
Yes — Killarney Park access point on the lake’s western shore is within walking distance.
For more North Shore suburbs see Auckland Suburbs.