Orewa

CHARLOTTE COSSAR samples the delights of this highly desirable seaside address within easy reach of the city.

Once a small seaside town that travellers passed through on their way up north, Orewa is now a destination and satellite suburb of greater Auckland in its own right. The town has seen a rapid increase in new dwellings recently with the western slopes in particular being developed to make the most of the sea views.

Other areas in the town include the flat area by the shops and beach, and the area running beside the estuary, Maygrove.

The suburb is home to a large retired population but this is quickly changing as more professionals and families move into the area for its seaside lifestyle and easy access to Auckland. The extension of, and improvements to, the northern motorway has made the journey to Auckland city by car about 20 minutes.

Apart from the beach, the town also has a large park, tennis courts, a millennium walkway for ambitious walkers, bush walks through a scenic reserve, mini golf, cafes and a surf lifesaving club, which hosts annual events.

The seaside holiday atmosphere of Orewa is exemplified with the suburb's hosting of a feast of annual social events, including the Orewa Big Day, the Gypsy Fair, power boat racing, the October Beer Festival and local sporting events.

Living in Orewa will cost you between $350,000 and $1 million plus - for an apartment, from $450,000 for a townhouse and from $300,000 for a unit. If you want a property with a view, expect to pay upwards of $500,000 and if you want to live on the waterfront, which are the most sought-after properties, you will pay upwards of $800,000. Larger four- to five-bedroom modern family homes on sections between 700sq m and 900sqm will sell for upwards of $650,000.

Being a seaside town, Orewa has an easy-going, holiday-like atmosphere, and this has encouraged buyers from the North Shore, who want to experience the relaxed living they once enjoyed. The schools and shopping amenities of Orewa are of a very high standard.

Also on the increase is the influx of immigrants, including people from England, South Africa, the United States and Asia, who want a small slice of seaside luxury close to the city.

There is also movement from people upgrading in the area - residents who want to live closer to the beach, in a better position or in a property with a view.