Cup fans' island luxury

CH-CHING: The peace and quiet of a Waiheke beach-side property comes at a price - punters will pay up to $2000 a night.

Cashed-up rugby tourists will be able to watch the World Cup in luxury.

A Waiheke Island beachfront mansion with a $2000-a-night price-tag for the final two weeks of next year's tournament is one of the prime pieces of New Zealand real estate on the books of Luxury Rentals 2011.

Tagged "Your Own Beach!" the Waiheke four-bedroom hideaway features a spa pool, a private bay, helicopter access [if you want to wing it to the finals countdown at Eden Park], a boathouse and swimming pool.

"It is comparable to what you would be paying in a hotel in [Auckland's] Viaduct, Luxury Rentals 2011 co-director Kerrin Parton told Sunday News.

"If you look at eight people for four rooms, it is $500 a head. It is cheaper...[than] what you are paying for a hotel."

Some of the other properties available through the rental company – launched last year to capitalise on what will be the country's biggest sporting event – even offer a chauffeur service and on-site chefs.

Most of its five-star residences are in upmarket Auckland suburbs such as Parnell, Remuera, Herne Bay, Ponsonby and on the North Shore.

Parton said demand for Waiheke Island was growing, as it offered seclusion within an easy commute to Eden Park.

"It is a beautiful spot, especially with the wine culture of Waiheke."

Some of the properties on Luxury Rentals 2011's books had a weekly price tag of more than $20,000 but Parton said they were value for money.

"Generally those properties are accommodating 12 people," he said. "And they have swimming pools, spas and media rooms. It does work out quite a cost-effective solution when you divide it by the people staying at the property." A concierge service would also provide the World Cup visitors with the best of Kiwi cuisine and Parton said all the properties would be stocked with gourmet foods and wines from New Zealand.

- © Fairfax NZ News