1 Sixth Avenue, Onetangi, Waiheke Island

Summertime, and the livin' is easy

1 Sixth Ave is an exclusive Onetangi address, nestled in a private position, one back from the longest north-facing beach on Waiheke Island. Spread over three levels with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two lounges and two large, sun-drenched decks. This much-loved home enjoys panoramic sea views of two majestic headlands and various Gulf Islands. With easy access, there is a substantial four-car garage and ample parking for the boats and beach toys. Surrounded by stunning Real Estate, it's just a stroll away from the much-adored beachfront restaurant venues and a short distance to several award-winning vineyards in the area.

Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves, walking tracks and beaches, all just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Much of the island's resident population of 8,340 people (2013 Census) lives at its western end. The more rural eastern two-thirds of the island contain privately owned farmland and vineyards.

With more and more international accolades pointing to Waiheke as a ‘must-visit' destination, its busy tourism industry attracts hoards of happy day-trippers. Island life, however, can be peaceful and is largely influenced by the fact that it is surrounded by water. In summer, the numerous beaches are popular for swimming, kite-surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, and boating while in winter there are still plenty of beach walkers and even the odd hardy swimmer to be found.

The community's active arts' scene includes a thriving, independent community-run cinema, a local theatre, a high-tech library, and a number of flourishing private artists' galleries and studios. The island's flagship gallery, the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, promotes both local and national artists and runs New Zealand's premier biennial outdoor sculpture exhibition, headland Sculpture on the Gulf, attracting thousands of visitors to Waiheke's shores. Other events popular with locals and visitors include the annual Onetangi Beach races and the Waiheke Jazz, Art, and Music Festival every Easter weekend.

Waiheke is also known for its superb wineries and restaurants, with several eateries winning top accolades over the last decade. There's something for everyone's tastebuds, from delicious takeaways to fine-dining vineyard restaurants.

The island is also home to a healthy commuting population so there's plenty of socialising on the morning and evening ferries.

Waiheke life is a little more relaxed than the mainland, with most locals proud of their island motto: ‘Slow Down, You're Here'.