Catalina Bay Farmers' Market
Last Sunday we headed for Catalina Bay Farmers' Market. Housed in an old Airforce hangar at Hobsonville Point, it’s been three years since the last visit. It may have moved hangars, changed its name and now operates Friday-Sunday, but it was disappointing to discover that the ferries still don’t operate on weekends. Thankfully, with ample parking onsite, it’s less than 30 minutes’ drive (off-peak) from Auckland’s CBD.
Tackle the stairs or follow the path down the road; there is limited parking on the wharf
Join the throngs of people enjoying the weekend market
Ready for a coffee we wandered towards the water and grabbed an outside table at Fabric. With views of the water, ferry wharf and soon to be opened coastal walkway, it was a pleasant way to kick things off and loved by locals and visitors alike.
Enjoying coffee outside at Fabric
Newly built boardwalk
Hobsonville Point ferry wharf
It was then time to explore the farmers’ market. With a variety of stallholders from: fresh produce from Salty River Farm; an amazing array of Whitestone Cheese; delicious Lalele Organic gelato and freshly squeezed juices; rice, beans and grains; cakes, chocolate and coffee; to artisan breads – Gourmet Gannet are soon to start building an on site artisan bakery which opens in early 2019 – it would be easy to simply grab fresh meat or chicken, chorizo sausages and lunch would be ready in no time. But if you’d prefer something ready to eat think bagels, burgers, pastries, crepes, fritters and more.
Walking inside, it’s a hive of activity
Beautiful salad greens and herbs from Salty River Farms
A cabinet full of Whitestone Cheese
Smiling faces at Lalele Organic, while Mulan (background) keeps the juice machine going
Gourmet Gannet, artisan bakers
Show your support and visit Catalina Bay Farmers' Market soon. You’ll find them on Hobsonville Point wharf: Friday 11am - 7pm and Saturday and Sunday 8:30am - 2pm.
With glimpses of blue skies, longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, that should be all the encouragement we need to explore further than our own backyards.
Enjoy
Michelle