Blame it on the cycleways, the artwork and the market, but cycling advocate Barbara Cuthbert just can't stay away.
Each time I visit Hobsonville, I discover another layer which draws me in even more. It's a fast changing part of the city, one of Auckland's newest treasures with lots to offer visitors. It is easy to reach by new motorway connections so is perfect for weekend day trips from all of Auckland. I've enjoyed it with friends on several return visits to check out new artworks and walking and cycling pathways.
There are two parts to the suburb: Hobsonville Point and the remaining area of Hobsonville. The new Point is fast developing as a showcase, with state-of-the-art townhouses settled among avenues of trees and elegant tiled- roofed houses built for Air Force officers earlier last century. It's a place to celebrate our early aviation history as the Point was the original home of Auckland's flying boats. Best of all for me, as a cycling advocate, are the cycling networks throughout the Point.
I arrived with my bike, my 92-year-old mother and a friend on the lookout for weekend cycling trips to share with her husband. We parked beside the farmers' market, located inside an old seaplane hangar at the Landing, to make it easy for my mum and her walker. I was happy to see plenty of people walking, arriving by bike and using the easy parking on the hill above the market. What a shame the ferry service is for weekday commuters only, as that would make a gorgeous weekend outing in our book!
But still, the ferry terminal and moored yachts set off the market beautifully, giving it a relaxed waterside vibe. The packed market stalls open on to a sunny courtyard, where the massive Sunderland flying boats used to pull out of the water.
