It’s a sunny weekend morning, venturing out in the ever-changing Hobsonville community landscape. There’s a gentle mist over the water, and houses mushrooming up all around as this striking new township takes shape. Heading on your path down towards the water, you’re bound for the stylish development at Catalina Bay, in which you’ll find another fine example of New Zealand’s top notch purpose-built weekend farmers’ markets.
For times gone by, and the future too….
On your journey by road you can’t miss the collections of new homes every which way, including delightful clusters of refurbished “staties”, state houses first constructed throughout New Zealand from the late 1930’s onwards. They’re easy to spot, their gorgeous orange tile roofs glowing in the sunshine, against a backdrop of distinctive modern townhouses. This is a place which cherishes times gone by, and the future too. Lovely.
But today your drawcard is the farmers’ market, and what a drawcard it is too… There’s easy parking, and as you head down to the entrance, you’ll spot the cows on the glass doors of this purpose built market. And you’ll spot the people heading there too - it’s a bustling place, and happily indoors as well, so sunshine or any weather, you can pop in and enjoy.
And plenty to feast on….
There’s an extremely handy ready-to-eat alley, if the hunger’s got you and there’s a need for something right then and there. And on the other side, an excellent range of market stalls showcasing impressive local artisan product… breads, cakes, pastries, cheeses, milk, eggs, coffee, tea and other drinks, honey, preserves and chutneys, fruit and vegetables, cured and fresh meats… and, most delightfully, plenty of chatty stallholders. It’s a lot of fun, there’s a lot of talk, and there’s no doubting you’ll pick up all you need for your next meal here. And that one-stop-shop for the weekend’s lunch and dinner supplies is just the ticket when you’re on the move with places to go…
While you’re there, take the chance to check out the coastal walkway boardwalk. It continues to develop around the emerging neighbourhood, and you’ll get the chance to check out the changing community landscape, some lovely local scenery and a number of thoughtful sculpture installations. There’s plenty of markers of the area’s heritage too, you’ll learn of its fascinating history as both a military base and the genesis of New Zealand’s commercial aviation industry. Take a moment or two to reflect on how things change…
Happy weekend eating
So a market visit and a meander, that’s a morning (or more) easily sorted. Time to make a move, to see a bit more of this stunning New Zealand. And with bread, cheese, pickles (and a basket of other provisions too!) loaded up, you’re sure to enjoy your next meal, and the weekend’s eating ahead.
Thanks very much Catalina Bay Farmers Market, you’re exactly what a roaming traveller is looking out for - when it’s time for some good New Zealand food.
And for more…
To find more on The FoodPath NZ’s handpicked eateries and artisans, for our collection of spot on New Zealand food moments, including all around Auckland, download our New Zealand Food Trail Guides app here.