Takapuna - an exclusive extract

Including Hauraki and Milford

The smart, the stylish and the suitably suntanned all live here. Takapuna and Milford are the suburbs that most people on this side of the bridge aspire to.

A stroll along Takapuna beach tells you lots about the locals, whether it's the gold that adorns the beachgoers or the fabulous homes that abut the beach.

In Milford there are affluent families with boating in their blood, and many older people who like the flat walk to the mall and the beach.

For all its affluence, Takapuna has many basic weatherboard houses as well as larger family homes, palatial mansions and high-rise apartments.

At the other end of the market, brick and tile units built during the 1960s and 1970s are in demand for buyers seeking a foothold in Takapuna, and for investors.

Inland, Hauraki Corner is a popular entry to the area, and its appeal is evident in the new homes and extensive renovations along the quiet leafy streets off the main road.

Amenities
Takapuna is a high decile area well served with quality schools, with at least six primaries, an intermediate and three secondary schools.

The revitalised shopping strip along Hurstmere Rd provides boutique retail therapy and quality eateries.

Westfield Takapuna has more than 70 fashion and lifestyle stores with a boutique flavour. There's a substantial mall at Milford, and to the south there's a shopping block at Hauraki Corner.

The long, sandy beaches of Takapuna and Milford offer swimming, boating and plenty of strolling. The Takapuna Boating Club on The Strand hosts international regattas and the

Milford Cruising Club and marina are much-loved fixtures.
There's a popular coastal walk between Takapuna and Milford that features stunning harbour views and multimillion-dollar seaside mansions.

Lake Pupuke is a favourite for sailing, windsurfing and rowing. For swimmers preferring the indoors, there's the Takapuna Aquatic Centre on the lake's edge.

Other local sports facilities include the 18-hole public Takapuna Golf Course and driving range and a 10-pin bowling centre.

Indoor amenities include the Pumphouse Theatre and gallery by Lake Pupuke, the Bruce Mason Centre and the Berkeley Cinema.

Trends
The newest apartment block The Sentinel in the centre of town is bringing more affluent empty-nesters into Takapuna.

Most of the 117 apartments in the 30-level development are expected to sell for $1 million to $2.5 million ahead of a late 2007 completion date.

The record $12.78 million sale on a beach-side Gibbons Rd property still stands, but significant water's edge sales include one for $6.35 million and another for $7.75 million.

Price-wise, Takapuna is slightly more expensive than Milford and anything on the Golden Mile, east of Kitchener and Lake Rds, can be millions dearer. Sales of $3 million to $4 million for homes only one or two back from the beach are no longer the exception.

Best Streets
Any street east of Lake Rd towards Takapuna Beach, for example Minnehaha Ave, Brett Ave and O'Neills Ave. In Milford, the streets between Kitchener Rd and the beach such as Tiri Rd and Cecil Rd. At Hauraki, it's Clifton Rd, overlooking the beach.