Owning a property in Waiheke's North side with an easy walk to a beach is special enough, but having a bach on Te Aroha Avenue, aka Don's Track, is otherworldly. Nestled into a valley with over 50 other properties and now over half the sites developed, this like-minded community of fervent conservationists have one thing in common: away from it all. The island races about all around them, but down in the valley, they are oblivious to it all - the only hum comes from flora and fauna, of which there is plenty.
On offer is a large, empty section that can be developed with greater ease than many along the track due to its easier build site, and nearly 40% coverage of misplanted bamboo, which can be easily removed, leaving a new owner with replanting options that suit them. A look next door at abundant veggie gardens lining the lower regions provides just one idea.
The summer sun streams in from the west, and the pristine views, filled with birdlife, could not be more "un-city"-like. Hardly a day passes that the locals don't wander down the trail to the beach lined by their kayaks at the bottom of the trail and then the seemingly private beach before them. Whether it's a morning dip or a morning coffee on the bench, your morning will be uplifted, but first, you have to be here.
This location is not for the faint-hearted. Vigorous walking will be required as there is no direct road access, but Pope's corner bus stop will take you from the ferry to where you want to be in about 15 minutes from landing on Waiheke.
At 39 Te Aroha Avenue you can enjoy what draws people to the North side of Waiheke without spending a fortune.