Takapuna

Including Hauraki and Milford

The smart, the stylish and the suitably suntanned live in Takapuna and Milford, suburbs to which most people on this side of the bridge aspire. For all its affluence, Takapuna has a wide choice of homes, from basic weatherboard houses to larger family homes, palatial mansions and high-rise apartments. Many original cottages have been renovated beyond recognition or demolished.

At the other end of the market, brick and tile units built during the 1960s and 1970s by developers Franchi and Ion are still in demand.

Amenities Families have an abundant choice of schools with state and Catholic primaries, an intermediate in Takapuna and Belmont, and several secondary schools. Takapuna Grammar at Hauraki is the only co-educational secondary.

Takapuna's retailers have withstood the competition from other retail centres. The revitalised resort-style shopping strip along Hurstmere Rd has boutiques and good cafes. Westfield Takapuna has more than 70 shops and there's a substantial mall at Milford. There's a shopping block and supermarket at Hauraki Corner.

The long, golden-sand beaches of Takapuna and Milford offer swimming, boating and people-watching.

Lake Pupuke is popular for sailing, windsurfing and rowing. For swimmers, there's the Takapuna Aquatic Centre on the lake edge. Other sports facilities include the 18-hole Takapuna Golf Course and driving range and a 10-pin bowling centre.

For the culturally-inclined, the North Shore Literary Walk commemorates North Shore authors. Indoor amenities include the Pumphouse Theatre and gallery, the Bruce Mason Centre and the Berkeley Cinema complex.

The flourishing dining scene includes restaurants, gourmet takeaways and cafes along Hurstmere Rd and its side streets.

Real estate trends During the recent property boom, waterfront property out-stripped the rest. Agents often have waiting lists for older homes on generous sites and building sites. The sausage-block units of yesteryear remain popular with investors and older people downsizing.

For first, or even second home buyers, there's little under $500,000, even for a basic house in a modest area.

Rental and investment Properties on Takapuna's premium Golden Mile return between $800 and $1000 a week, with demand coming from corporates for staff on transfer or people between million dollar house purchases who need a temporary home.

Best streets Any street east of Lake Rd towards the beach - Minnehaha Ave, Brett Ave and O'Neills Ave. In Milford, the streets between Kitchener Rd and the beach - Tiri Rd and Cecil Rd. At Hauraki, its Clifton Rd, overlooking the beach.