Bucklands Beach - An exclusive extract

Including Eastern Beach.

Bucklands Beach and Eastern Beach occupy a spectacular little peninsula but the area is so built up that it's possible to be unaware of the fact that you're on such a narrow piece of land.

That is, until you reach Musick Pt at the tip of the peninsula and the almost surreal vista of the Hauraki Gulf opens up before you.

Apart from the hidden drama of the geography, it feels like any established eastern suburb. It's a very settled place, with people staying put for a long time because they love it so much.

It also has some real estate gems - streamlined nods to modern architecture - on the clifftops looking out to sea.

While many properties are the preserve of the wealthy, there are more affordable properties, which means a good mix of residents - predominantly Pakeha and Asian, with a significant amount of older couples who enjoy this pretty environment.

Because the area has been developed over many decades, there is no typical home. Many houses, though, are large and set on lovingly landscaped sections. Away from the sea views, there are more modest townhouses and units.

Amenities
There are several good primary schools in the neighbourhood, including the high-decile Bucklands Beach Primary and Macleans Primary.

The equally well-regarded Bucklands Beach Intermediate caters for years seven and eight.

The local secondary school, Macleans College, is the big cheese among high schools in the eastern suburbs.

Being in the right zone means a lot to people and to what they'll pay for real estate.

Basic shopping is catered for at small centres dotted around the peninsula, but for anything major you will need to go to Highland Park, Howick, Pakuranga or Botany Downs.

A couple of marine-themed cafes and restaurants, The Beach House and Barracuda, make the most of their setting on The Parade by the water on the western side of the peninsula. Otherwise, Howick village is the closest and best bet for good food.

The Howick Golf Course at Musick Pt is a treat, even if you have no interest in golf.

It looks like an old-fashioned park, complete with potholed road wending its way through the golf course.

Right at the tip of the peninsula is a wonderful art deco building, built in 1939 as a base for marine radio communications and now leased by a group of amateur radio hams.

Yachties are well served, of course, with the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club and the Half Moon Bay Marina, as well as public boat ramps at both Bucklands and Eastern Beach. The latter has a water ski lane, picnic area and children's playground.

Trends
Bucklands Beach and Eastern Beach are comparable in price to neighbouring Mellons Bay and Cockle Bay, which puts the whole coastline one notch up from other eastern suburbs such as Half Moon Bay.

Properties on the northeast-facing slopes, in particular, have good sun and vast sea views.

Popular Macleans College continues to attract families to the area, as well as South African and English immigrants.

Best streets
The Parade (west side of the peninsula) and Clovelly Rd (east side) are the places to be if you've got big money to spend on a huge view.