For Liz, the decision to make Kensington Park her home was as much about intuition as it was about lifestyle. She had long been drawn to the charm of Orewa—with its beachside beauty, thriving cafés, and easy access to bush walks and amenities—but there was something about Kensington Park that immediately stood out.
“I’ve always loved the vibe of Orewa,” Liz says. “And as soon as I drove past the clock tower, I knew. This was it—this was the place for me.” That instinct was quickly confirmed by the lifestyle the community offered. Just minutes from the beach and surrounded by nature, Kensington Park allows Liz to live exactly the way she wants—active, connected, and close to everything.
“It’s so easy to step out for a walk through Eaves Bush and along the beach,” she says. “You’re in this beautiful environment, and yet you’re also just minutes from the motorway. Everything is super handy.”
But what truly brings Kensington Park to life for Liz is the community. Whether she’s taking a stroll around the park, visiting the gym or unwinding in the sauna, it’s never long before she bumps into someone for a friendly chat. “It’s all about the people,” she says with a smile. “There’s a warmth here. Everyone is open, and the community feels alive.”
That sense of connection has only deepened with time. Liz has embraced the social fabric of the neighbourhood, where fitness groups, book clubs, and even remote-controlled yacht enthusiasts all find their place. “There’s always something going on,” she says. “And yes—I’ve made lifelong friends here.”
Safety was another non-negotiable for Liz when choosing where to settle. She wanted peace of mind, and at Kensington Park, she found it. “I absolutely love feeling safe,” she says. “Security was a top priority for me, and that was a big part of my decision to buy here.”
Another major drawcard was Kensington Park’s unique model. Unlike traditional retirement villages, the homes here are freehold, allowing residents to retain their capital gains. For Liz, that independence was a game-changer. “That really mattered to me,” she says. “I see myself buying again in the park in the next couple of years.”
As for the homes themselves, Liz was impressed from the start. Before purchasing, her builder conducted a thorough inspection—and didn’t find a single fault. The design and finish exceeded her expectations. “The open-plan layout is so well thought out,” she explains. “I love the clean lines, the elegant simplicity of the interiors, and the generous balcony. It’s just perfect for an evening gin or a barbecue with friends.”
I love the clean lines, the elegant simplicity of the interiors, and the generous balcony. It’s just perfect for an evening gin or a barbecue with friends.
The sea views were another highlight. Walking into the apartment for the first time, Liz was struck by the sense of space, light, and the way the interiors complemented the natural surroundings.
“There’s a quiet elegance to the design,” she says. “The colours, the quality chattels, the views—it all just works beautifully.”
The gardens and landscaping are a vital part of what makes Kensington Park feel like home. For Liz, being surrounded by nature is both calming and restorative. “There’s something deeply peaceful about walking through the grounds here,” she says. “The serenity, the birdsong, the green spaces—it’s food for the soul.” While she enjoys having a small, manageable garden of her own, Liz also appreciates that she can enjoy lush greenery without having to take care of it all herself. “It’s the best of both worlds,” she says.
Reflecting on her time at Kensington Park, Liz lights up when asked what she would say to someone considering a move. “I’d offer to help them pack!” she laughs. “I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. This place is special—the community, the serenity, the memories we’re creating every day.”
