The relatively flat peninsula thus formed is four kilometres in length and two kilometres in width, and is joined to the main part of the North Island at its southern end. A motorway effectively cuts the peninsula off from the mainland and, with only one road in and out, the area has an almost island-like feel. Its population is closely matched by the population of Te Atatū South, the adjoining suburb. Until the 1950s, Te Atatū Peninsula was mostly rural. The construction of the north-western motorway lead to development on the peninsula. During the 1960s and 1970s, Te Atatū Peninsula was covered in low- to medium-income houses. Te Atatū Peninsula was the site of the Leisureland Fun Park in the 1980s, which was initially set up in collaboration with the Accident Compensation Corporation complete with a Drivertown and pleasure rides. It later became Footrot Flats Fun Park in 1985, which closed in 2000. When vacated by leisure activities, this waterfront site has been developed into medium- to high-density high-end waterfront-facing properties. The houses are popular for high-end renovations and many properties have been subdivided, increasing the population density of the suburb, as prescribed under the current Auckland Unitary Plan. Rutherford College, named after Ernest Rutherford, is a secondary (years 9–13) school with a roll of students. Te Atatū Intermediate School is for years 7–8, and has a roll of students. Peninsula Primary School, Matipo Primary School and Rutherford Primary School are contributing schools (years 1–6) with rolls of , and respectively. All schools are coeducational. Rolls are as of