Combining traditional rustic charm with modern convenience Helensville is just 35 minutes from Auckland. As well as cafes, restaurants and a unique collection of retail outlets offering an eclectic mix of gifts, designer clothing and homewares.

Mill Road industrial area has all you need for home, farm and lifestyle block maintenance and here you can also find the Helensville Museum. Run by enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers, the museum abounds with information about the history of the township and surrounding areas including the Kaipara Habour. The harbour, the largest in New Zealand with 800 km of coastline is also a key site for migratory wading birds and a breeding site for several rare species including the fairy tern and the New Zealand dotterel.

Opposite the Showgrounds are the Oikumene Forest yards supplying the area with lifestyle fencing materials and gates.

Nestled on the southern end of the Kaipara Harbour is a superb example of New Zealand’s early architecture both within its historic homes and commercial area. Look out for the Old Post Office, the Old Regent Theatre  where discerning buyers can browse and purchase antiques and collectibles each weekend, the Grand Hotel and the historic railway station.

Many artists live and work in Helensville – sculptors, woodturners, painters and potters; and their works can be seen on display in the local cafes and shops including Riverside Crafts.

The recently opened art centre hosts a variety of art and craft workshops suitable for all ages and abilities.

Helensville has a strong network of community groups including the Helensville District Business Association whose focus is to provide a support network for all businesses in the area. The association also manages the Helensville Visitor Information Centre located on the corner of Garfield and Commercial Roads. The centre manned by a team of knowledgeable volunteers provides both locals and visitors with a range of information on the area.

There are beautiful gardens to visit in and around the area along with stunning heritage homes. While visiting Helensville take a stroll along the riverbank walkway or drive to the thermal area of Parakai and call in to the naturally heated thermal pools or experience the thrill of jumping out of an aeroplane with Blue Skies Skydiving. Parakai is surrounded by a small farming community and is the gateway to the beaches, lakes and walks of the South Head peninsula. South Head is home to many small rural businesses including Waitakere Alpacas farm stay, bed and breakfast and Alpaca sales and gift shop. Fishing and camping is available at Shelly Beach with the Shelly Beach Store providing good food, fishing and camping supplies. Geb Owen, who owns The Shelly Beach Store, on the edge of the water in Helensville, is originally from the UK and has always worked in the hospitality industry.

At the moment  a takeaway and general store catering to the visitors to the waterfront, Geb plans to spend the next couple of years turning it into a  Café. “Having worked in five star hotels and managed a pizza-chain, it was my dream to own a laid-back sort of hospitality place. I bought this store off my in-laws, and look forward to fulfilling the potential of this great little beach spot in Helensville,” Geb told Rural Living.

The area also boasts 2 golf courses, and Woodhill Forest is just a short drive away with all its adventure activities, walking and mountain bike tracks, horse riding, 4WD, Quad biking and tree adventures.

The Helensville A&P Association runs the annual Helensville A&P Show at the Helensville Showgrounds, as well as a number of other events – be sure to watch out for the 2009 Helensville A&P Show on Saturday, February 28th.