Hobsonville Marina expands liveaboard community

Hobsonville Marina is laying out the welcome mat for customers living onboard boats.

Around 100 people, comprising 15% of Hobsonville Marina’s 592 vessels currently live onboard their boats. Marina manager David Hollingsworth, says that the marina which is one of the biggest in New Zealand, is well maintained, very secure and sheltered and that liveaboards contribute to the marina by providing vibrancy and a feeling of community and safety.

Customers are a mix of locals and international cruisers, who choose Hobsonville because of its location, access to transport networks and facilities.

To ensure cohesion in the marina community David explains that Hobsonville Marina has an interview process to ensure that it accepts people who will contribute positively and be willing to meet the marina’s high expectations related to marina etiquette.

The marina meets practical needs via a mobile sewage pump out, bathrooms, laundry and superette. It also has its own boatyard where vessels can be maintained, and 24/7 security onsite. Well-behaved pets can even stay (by application).

For those commuting, Hobsonville Marina has good motorway access, convenient parking and a regular ferry service to the Auckland CBD. 

There is a daily fee to liveaboard which means that once the cost of boat ownership is considered it’s more likely to be a lifestyle decision rather than a financial one. However, for families, there is no extra charge for children and the marinas are in-zone for good schools.  Those living in Hobsonville have two reputable schools to carry them through from new entrants to Year 13: Hobsonville School and Hobsonville Point Secondary School.

“A long-term refurbishment programme that began six ago in Hobsonville is nearing completion and the marina is looking great. It’s a wonderful place to live,” says David Hollingsworth.

The cost of living onboard at Hobsonville Marina including berth rental and liveaboard charges starts at around $320 a week for the smallest 10.5m berth with two persons onboard, and goes up to $510 per week for a 16m berth. 

Those who are interested can apply online at www.hobsonvillemarina.co.nz They will then be invited for an interview prior to acceptance.