Muriwai

It offers fabulous seaside living within easy reach of central Auckland, writes CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Well known for its gannet colony, rugged west coast beach, regional park and golf course, Muriwai is a place for Aucklanders to visit, holiday and move to.

In the past there were dirt roads, tents, classic kiwi baches and car racing on Muriwai Beach but now its facilities are comprehensive and include fishing, diving, surfing, mountain biking, forest walking, horse riding, golf, tennis, bird watching and surf lifesaving to name a few of the many activities.

The north-western motorway expansion (due for completion in 2004) will make Muriwai even more accessible for most Aucklanders. At present the CBD is 30 minutes' drive away and the area looks likely to retain its coastal village-like appeal with the council proposing the minimum section size be increased from 1500sq m to 2000sq m.

Muriwai is unique - it is remote from the city, yet close in travelling distance, and has fabulous leisure activities and countryside.

Why are people moving here?

People are moving to the area mainly for the lifestyle. Recently, buyers who have traditionally owned weekend homes in Coromandel, Bay of Islands, Waiheke and other holiday spots are buying in Muriwai because it is closer to the city and they believe they will use it more often, as well as having everything that their previous holiday home had to offer. Young professionals, realising that Muriwai is very accessible and offers a perfect lifestyle to raise a family, are also attracted to the area.

What amenities does muriwai have?

There are two shops selling basic household items and takeaways, and soon one will offer restaurant dining.

What is there to do?

Apart from the activities already mentioned, there is an annual music festival, local soccer matches and fishing tournaments. And after all this activity, the golf club has a great Friday night dinner.

What does it cost to live here?

The cheapest real estate is apartments, which sell for between $95,000 and $140,000. For about $200,000, people can expect to buy a comfortable three-bedroom home without sea views. A property with a sea view would start at about $250,000 and would be a very basic one- to two-bedroom, partly modernised, bach. A more modern dwelling with views will cost more, with the highest price fetched to date being in the $800,000 range.

For two to 10 acre lifestyle blocks, properties start at around $350,000 and can cost more than $1 million, depending on views and quality.

The most sought-after properties are ones with a view and these tend not to stay on the market for long.

Why move here?

Muriwai offers an idyllic lifestyle where everyday is a holiday, and yet if you need to go to the city it is only 30 minutes away, outside of peak-hour traffic. It has the benefits and security of a small and close community or a private lifestyle, depending on how much you want to get involved.