Helensville

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR

With greater Auckland's boundaries continuing to spread into the surrounding countryside, it is hardly surprising that smaller satellite settlements like Helensville are fast becoming a destination of choice for people desiring a semi-rural lifestyle that is affordable.

While Helensville has suffered for many years from sleepy town syndrome, times have changed drastically for the area with a huge community spirit.

In the mid to late 1800s, Helensville was renowned for the tall ships that came up the Kaipara River via the Kaipara Harbour transporting logs to the mill. Owned by the Wests - a prominent family in the town - the timber mill was the primary industry in the region for many years.

Helensville was named in honour of Helen McLeod, a member of another prominent farming family who still have descendants in the area.

With easy access to the Kaipara Harbour, Muriwai Beach and Woodhill Forest, it is no wonder that the region is home to many people interested in horse activities, fishing, mountain-biking and tramping.

Helensville is a mere 30-40 minute drive from New Zealand's largest city, and is gaining popularity for its antique and collectables shops, artists and the wonderful country village atmosphere. With no traffic lights or traffic jams, it is very much a family town, often with several generations living in or around the town.

As Graeme McLeod, of Harcourts' Helensville office, notes: "Helensville and Parakai and their surrounding rural areas have proved to be a popular destination for those taking flight from the city. Price increases in those areas lying between Helensville and the city have put a lot of properties out of reach of those making that first move.

"However, many purchasers have been pleasantly surprised and quite happy with that extra 10- or 15-minute commute to secure a property to suit their budget. As a result of this increased demand, prices in the last 12 months have risen and some good capital gains have been realised. Personally I think this demand will continue. We have a lot to offer here. There are plenty of people commuting much further than here to get to the CBD."

Helensville has many annual events, including the popular A&P show, Country and Western week, wine festival, music festivals and pony club and sporting activities.

There is a cross-section of residents, from young couples to retirees. Generally, the area attracts people wanting to move from the city and its suburbs who like the idea of raising children in a smaller community. The lifestyle blocks of 1ha or more are very popular as are bigger lots of land for the city farmer.

Although house prices have increased in line with Auckland, it is still very affordable here. Many people buy villas and bungalows as they can be at least a third of the price of those in Ponsonby and the like.

Homes range from small one-bedroom units to large modern executive homes on one or more hectares - and prices vary. For a one-bedroom unit you can expect to pay about $100,000 to $150,000, for a cheaper investment property $200,000 to $280,000 and for a three-bedroom house with garage on a 600sq m section between $200,000 and $350,000. A bare block of 1ha costs anywhere over $200,000, lifestyle blocks with a house from about $350,000 to $600,000 and farms between $1 million to $2 million-plus for large ones with harbour access.

The newer areas in town are sought after, with Rimmer and Fordyce Rds being popular.