Helensville - an exclusive extract

Including Parakai, South Head and Kaukapakapa

Lifestylers, artists, self-confessed eccentrics, families and elderly people come together happily in a community that expresses what small town New Zealand is all about.

The children of born-and-bred locals generally stay and raise their own families.

Helensville is best known for its villas. Those in the township are originals; out in the back blocks there are some relocated from Auckland's inner-city suburbs.

Auckland buyers widen their eyes in delight at the price tags, considering what a similar home might cost in Mt Eden or Devonport.

Other homes include weatherboard houses of all shapes and sizes. There are smart brick-and-tile homes in Amberly Heights close to Kaipara College.

Parakai's older housing stock includes basic family homes on typical quarter-acre sections. The new brick-and-tile homes in the River Valley estate behind Palm Springs pools are bringing a modern look to the township. South Head is largely lifestyle blocks. Kaukapakapa is a mix of lifestyle blocks and large farms.

Amenities
There are at least seven primary schools in the neighbourhood, and like many other semi-rural parts of Auckland, the majority include intermediate years. Kaipara College is the local secondary school.

The arrival of a Woolworths supermarket several years ago is credited with revitalising the shopping centre and the town itself. As well as the usual furnishing, gifts, craft, appliance and chemist shops, there are a number of antique and collectibles shops. Parakai's shops include a grocery store.

Parakai is famous for its two thermal pool complexes. Woodhill Forest has trails for motorbikes, mountain bikes and horses. It's popular for orienteering and tramping. The Helensville Showgrounds host an annual A&P show. Boating is popular along the Kaipara River.

For golfers, there's the charming Helensville Golf Club and South Head Golf Club which has impressive views of the Kaipara Harbour.

Trends
The bad news is that Helensville villas no longer cost $100,000. The good news is that they still cost a heck of a lot less than those in other parts of Auckland. For under $500,000 you should be able to get something comfortable and character-filled, perhaps even with a view of the river or the harbour. There is always strong demand for these character houses.

There are no more sections left in Helensville, which leads to new subdivision homes holding their value. Many families have relocated here from the North Shore and, especially, west Auckland, during the past few years, drawn by the rural ambience and the affordable house prices. Agents note, though, that since petrol prices have escalated, demand from would-be commuters has dropped off.

Near Helensville, lifestyle blocks with villas are rare and always in demand. Lifestyle blocks in Kaukapakapa with average houses fetch around $600,000. Top dollar in Parakai is about $350,000.

Best Streets
Rimmer Rd in Helensville for its lifestyle blocks; Garfield St in town for its quaint villas. Fordyce Rd in Parakai.