Top Model hunt successful

Two top model contestants enjoy the sun. Photo / Jason Dorday

At least one top-secret Auckland location for the America's Next Top Model contestants has been revealed as a multi-million-dollar penthouse suite on the North Shore.

Despite the production crew trying to keep their whereabouts under wraps, a couple of bikini-clad models were spied peering over the balcony of the $11 million Sentinel Apartment pad in Milford yesterday.

It is rumoured the apartment - which includes a lap pool, spa pool, gas fireplace and home movie theatre - is where the models are staying while in Auckland to film cycle 14 of the top-rating reality show.

Top Model host and creator Tyra Banks is yet to be spotted, but is thought to be staying either at the Sentinel or at the Heritage Hotel in Auckland.

The two models, dressed in itsy-bitsy black and purple bikinis, leaned on the ledge of the apartment's balcony on the 29th floor, chatting to each other while taking in the view over Takapuna beach to Rangitoto Island.

While the models soaked up the first rays of sunshine since their arrival on Friday morning, production crew could be seen hopping in and out of the building's car park carrying food and equipment from rental vans.

Banks has remained elusive since her arrival on Friday, when she was apparently sneaked past the media throng at Auckland International Airport.

She was spotted once by fans on top of Mt Eden, braving the rain and cold winds on Friday with a number of models and crew members. The road to Mt Eden's summit remained closed after Banks had left, but one crew member said they had only been at the mountain for lunch.

First to arrive last week was runway coach J. Alexander who walked through the terminal chatting happily to photographers.

The New York Daily News reported last month that he has been demoted back to his original role as runway coach from being a judge.

His arrival was followed by photo shoot director Jay Manuel on Friday morning, who was so bombarded by media that his luggage was knocked off the trolley.

The model finalists also arrived on Friday, and tried to conceal their identities with scarves, dark sunglasses and umbrellas.

The crew and contestants are also expected to head to Rotorua and Queenstown.