A Popular place to visit
Titirangi and surrounding areas remained primarily farmland until the advent of World War I, when the number of farm workers locally plummeted and native plants began to recolonise. The Titirangi township developed in the 1910s, because of a need for the laborers working on Scenic Drive (known then as Exhibition Drive) to have lodgings. Exhibition Drive opened on 24 January 1914 and Wood Bay, French Bay and other Manukau Harbour beaches soon became popular destinations for Aucklanders.
In 1930, the Hotel Titirangi (now known as Lopdell House) was established as a modern hotel, however the hotel faced difficulties securing a liquor license due to the prohibition of alcohol in West Auckland, and closed less than six months later.
As road access improved in the 1960s, the community became increasingly suburban. Artist Colin McCahon lived at Otitori Bay in Titirangi in the 1950s, during which he painted a number of artworks inspired by the Titirangi landscape.
