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Place in Auckland, New Zealand
Photo: Ulrich Lange, Bochum, Germany, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Helensville is a town in the Auckland Region of New Zealand, 40 km from Auckland city. It sits on the tidal Kaipara River, at the southern end of the very large Kaipara Harbour. It has a population of about 3,000. The smaller settlement of Parakai is 3 km to the north-west, and has a popular natural thermal aquatic centre and a skydiving airfield.
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A private sculpture park in farmland. Has about 30 sculptures by well known modern artists including Sol LeWitt, Andy Goldsworthy and Anish Kapoor. Open one day a month, usually a Thursday. Booking required and you may need to book about six months in advance.
Fishing charters on the Kaipara Harbour.
Three-hour to two-day cruises on the Kaipara River and Kaipara Harbour. The farthest cruises go to Dargaville, at the northern end of the harbour.
One-day or two-day walks through farmland, saltmarsh wetlands and coastal forests, where there is an active ecological restoration project, and a population of kiwi. In conjunction with Mataia Homestead (see Sleep section below).
Walk 3.5 km (1 hr 45 min) each way through regenerating native forest to the summit (305 metres), where there are panoramic views of Kaipara Harbour and Hoteo River estuary.
Natural thermal water pools, indoor and outdoor, big waterslides.
Has a bike park where children learn how to ride on tracks amongst the trees. Other activities in the area include BMX trails and racing and a huge high ropes course set in the forest called Tree Adventures (bookings recommended). There are 8 courses to do and it can take 2-4 hours depending on skill and fitness.
Accommodation in the homestead and in a cottage.
By bus
Two-hourly bus services (route 125) connect Helensville with Westgate in western Auckland.
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Auckland · International · AKL
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