Swanson is a small suburb located 20 kilometres to the west of Auckland City and is a residential area with a strong sense of local community. The township of Swanson was established in the mid-1880s, with many of the first residents receiving land cheaply through government settlement regimes intended to develop the area. In 1881, the Swanson railway station opened, connecting the area to the city of Auckland. The railway station became a busy depot for the kauri logging trade of the northern Waitākere Ranges, and the town developed as a service centre for people involved in the logging and kauri gum digging trades. Many early residents in the area established farms and orchards, supplementing their income with kauri gum digging. In the late 19th century, Croatian New Zealand immigrants (then commonly known as Dalmatian) worked land at Swanson, with kauri gum digging operations which were more intensive and systematic than previous efforts.
The Swanson School opened in 1888 and is a full primary school, servicing the community until year 8. Today the Swanson station marks the end of the western line but still provides a valuable link for city commuters.
Nearby you will find the beautiful Waitakere Ranges and nearby native bush. Swanson is home to Swanson Village, a hub with a number of shops and services including; butcher, dairies, pharmacy, a doctor’s office and cafes. It also has the Redwood Golf Club at it’s western end.