Milford

It's a water-lover's dream destination, writes CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

This picturesque suburb is bordered on two sides by water - the Waitemata Harbour and Lake Pupuke.

Enjoying a mainly flat geography, this suburb is home to many retired people who enjoy walking beside the lake, in the bush and through the beautiful parks on offer in the area. There is also a coastal walk, at low tide, from Milford to Takapuna, which has interesting volcanic formations, the Giants Chair and rock pools.

Although popular with retired people, it is also a suburb many families chose to live in. Attracted by the beaches and schools, they also enjoy, along with many professionals who chose Milford as their home, the cafes, theatres and closeness to the central business district - the city is a 10-minute drive outside of peak travelling times.

The large beach-side park is another destination favoured by residents. It is a great place to while away summer nights. Next to the park is the Milford marina, yet another reason why people choose to live in this area. Like Takapuna, this suburb has many residents who are keen on their water sports and water toys.

Milford has a good shopping centre with undercover parking and two supermarkets, sporting facilities, and it is close to North Shore Hospital, Massey University's Albany Campus and the Albany Mega Retail Centre.

Other activities enjoyed by locals include bowling, Scottish dancing, tennis, yachting, swimming - in the sea and at the local swimming pool - and golf. And if this isn't enough to keep you occupied, you could always try your hand at the annual Pupuke Yachting Regatta, windsurfing, rowing and the yearly dragon-boat races.

If water sports don't take your fancy, you could always pop down the road to the Sunday flea market in Takapuna.

To live in this area, you can expect to pay from $160,000 to $480,000 for an apartment, from $110,000 for a one-bedroom unit and up to $430,000 for a three-bedroom unit. A three to four-bedroom townhouse ranges between $200,000 and $800,000, a home of the same number of bedrooms between $200,000 and $2.6 million, with the average being about $530,000.

The most sought-after homes are those on the beach and lake front and those with sea views and a level walk to the beach and amenities.

Milford is close to Takapuna, which has a popular strip packed with restaurants, cafes and boutique shops. The East Coast Bays are to the North of the suburb and are home to many of Auckland's most spectacular beaches.

The relaxed and friendly environment of Milford attracts people moving from inland suburbs who want to be closer to the beach, excellent shopping, restaurants and the city, as well as migrants from China, Korea, South Africa and the Britain. It also attracts business people moving from other cities in New Zealand.