Helensville, New Zealand

Helensville is a town in the northern North Island of New Zealand. It is sited 40 kilometres northwest of Auckland, close to the southern extremity of the Kaipara Harbour.

The area around Helensville was originally called Te Awaroa, meaninng "The long path" or "The long river valley". The first European settlers in the district were Canadian timber millers named McLeod. John McLeod built a house which he named "Helen's Villa" in honour of his wife, and the name soon became that of the surrounding settlement.

Initial development of the town was around the kauri milling industry, but by the start of the 20th century dairying was becoming of increasing importance. It was also becoming somewhat of a tourist centre, owing to the presence of hot springs to the west of the town.

Although it is no longer a forestry or dairy centre, the town is still a touist attraction, largely because of its many historic buildings. It has also seen positive effects from the nearby wine prodicing region around Kumeu, 10 kilometres to the south.

The town's population (in 2001) was 2232.