Eye in the sky in Auckland's CBD

Apartment 3004, Quay West, 8 Albert St, Auckland City. Photo / Getty Images

APARTMENT 3004 QUAY WEST 8 ALBERT ST AUCKLAND CITY

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SIZE: 150sq m ( approx.)

PRICE INDICATION: CV (2008) $1.14 million. Auction July 13 (unless sold prior). Body Corp $16,326.47 pa.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1-1.45pm.

ON THE WEB: barfoot.co.nz/456842

CONTACT: Belinda Illingworth, Barfoot & Thompson, ph 021 999 800.

FEATURES: Freehold three-bedroom apartment on 30th level of Quay West building has harbour views from sunrise to sunset. three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, balcony for al fresco living. Use of heated swimming pool, spa, sauna and gym on fifth floor.

Shigeru and Terumi Yoshifuku had never tried apartment living until they rented one on the 28th floor of the Quay West building, near Auckland's vibrant waterfront.

The pair were soon hooked on the lifestyle and 20 months later, in 2006, decided to buy an apartment on the 30th floor of the building.

Ask them what they like about their freehold apartment and the list is long. It's a quality building with beautiful views, the apartment is spacious, secure and private and they enjoy the facilities that come with being in a complex that is a mix of apartments and hotel rooms ... swimming pool, gym, sauna, room service and dry cleaning.

"The dry cleaning for residents is no dearer than what they would pay at the shop down the road," says Terumi.

Another bonus, she adds, is the efficient lifts. "There are enough lifts for the number of apartments. With some apartments you need to wait for a lift for a long time. Plus we have two carparks wide enough to fit three cars."

They also love living in the central city. They are handy to their work and within walking distance of cafes and restaurants.

Having already lived in the building for nearly two years as tenants, as owners Shigeru and Terumi were keen to make a couple of changes to their new apartment. Where there had been a wall between the third bedroom and main living space, they added bifold doors so this room can be opened to the living space. They now use this room as an office and music room, but still have the option of shutting it off.

You come into the Yoshifukus' apartment's entrance area, with the main bedroom and en suite off to your left, then into the main living area facing the harbour and opening out to the sheltered balcony. The kitchen is on the corner, and the two other bedrooms are on the city side.

Being on a corner means they have all-day sun and views north, east and south of the city, harbour, the bridge, Rangitoto Island and as far as the Coromandel on a clear day. They enjoy watching yacht races and sunrises from their lounge and kitchen. From other rooms in their apartment they can see the Viaduct and SkyCity - especially enjoyable when there are fireworks on New Year's Eve and other occasions.

But now Shigeru and Terumi are on the move and their apartment - two floors down from the top of the building - is for sale as they return to being homeowners in Hamilton, a city they spent 16 years in and where they have many friends.

But Terumi admits she is having trouble finding the house that "hits" her like this apartment did. "The reason is here, it is so perfect living. It will be hard to go back to a normal life!"

They are savouring their last weeks of apartment living in the CBD, those spectacular sunrises from the warmth of their kitchen with a nice morning cup of tea, and also the convenience of being in the central city.

They have found the other apartment owners friendly - a mix of mainly business and retired people as well as some families. Terumi says: "We regularly have dinner out with the other residents."