The answer to Auckland’s parking woes?

A German-designed high-tech car stacking system in a new development promises to solve apartment parking woes, according to the realtor.

As well as design elements including gold tiles in the foyer and a stunning art deco-style spiral staircase, the new Oasis Apartments building on the edge of Myers Park has a super-practical space-saving car stacker in the basement that allows twice the number of parks as similar buildings.

Drivers pull into a secure garage, leave their car, enter the foyer and at the touch of a button the car is lowered into the basement and placed in its allocated spot.

When the car is needed another button is pushed, the machine collects the car and minutes later it is returned to the garage — conveniently facing the road.

The same technology has been used in two large commercial buildings in the city and Parnell but not in apartments before now, said Virgil Roberts of Fresh Realty.

“It takes away all the risk of dents and dings and theft and means we have been able to provide twice the number of car parks for this building,” Roberts said.

“Some of the apartments have two car parks each, which would have been impossible with a traditional carpark.”

Parking in Auckland city is in short supply — and expensive. Last year a single carpark in an apartment building near Britomart sold for $265,000.

Roberts said most of the owners of the 14 apartments already sold are baby boomers who are downsizing, still enjoy “lattes and whisky” and want something different from living in the ’burbs.

That is exactly what the refurbished St Kevin’s Arcade and nearby Karangahape Rd provide, he said.

“People still need their cars to get around but there is also a heck of a lot to do within walking distance.

“They want the buzz of the city but once you get up into the apartment it is by the park, it’s sunny and it is really quite serene,” Roberts said.

Apartments in the Oasis range from $785,000 for a one-bedroom unit to $2.5 million for a penthouse.