The maritime air force base at Hobsonville has hosted many seaplanes during its long life. Sadly, this activity came to an apparent end with the retirement of the last Sunderland in April 1967.
But on the afternoon of Saturday 8 March, Hobsonville was once again in active use as a seaplane base. After carrying out one circuit of the historic area, Beaver ZK-AMA Aotearoa of Auckland Seaplanes touched down opposite the Beach Haven wharf and taxied across the water to moor adjacent to the Hobsonville access ramp.
The Hobsonville Land Company, in the process of developing the area for residential and commercial use, was holding a promotional weekend and had invited the Beaver to attend.
Auckland Seaplane chief executive, Chris Sattler, gladly accepted the invitation. The visit provided an ideal opportunity to raise the company’s profile among the Hobsonville residents and also to touch base with the long history of marine aircraft operations in the area.
After carrying out joyriding activities throughout the Saturday afternoon, the Beaver returned to Hobsonville the following day, hosting several members of the Catalina Society and providing for further flights.
- Report and photographs by Peter Lewis.