A Special Connection
Hobbs Bay is more than just a stunning coastal development—it’s the continuation of a rich history that has woven together the lives of the Hobbs, Burrell, and Hopper families for generations.
In 2022, the Burrell family entrusted Hobbs Bay Farm to the Hoppers, marking the latest chapter in a story that began over a century ago. The land was first cleared for farming in 1861 by ship’s captain and banker Ranulph Dacre, later passing to the Shakespear family—namesakes of the nearby regional park. Jack Hobbs, once the farm manager for the Shakespears, eventually acquired the land, expanding his holdings across Army Bay and Gulf Harbour.
The Hopper family’s connection to this land dates back nearly a century. Ken and Edith Hopper arrived in Whangaparaoa in 1929, where they operated the Arkles Bay Post Office and Store. Edith, inspired by the Peninsula’s potential, once tried to lease land from Jack Hobbs to plant trees. Though initially declined, Jack later embraced the idea, unknowingly planting the seeds of a future relationship between the families.
For decades, the Hopper and Burrell children grew up exploring Hobbs Farm together—Tony and Ian Hopper in the 1940s, and later, Leigh Hopper alongside Gwyneth and Grant Burrell in the 1960s. The original farmhouse walls still bear memories—carvings of a childhood romance at a time when this land was simply a home.
Now, nearly 100 years after Edith’s first request, the Hoppers have come full circle, with a vision to honour the land’s history. Hobbs Bay Estate will celebrate its heritage by restoring the original homestead and creating generous green spaces for the wider community to enjoy. A legacy of land and family lives on at Hobbs Bay Estate—a rare coastal sanctuary, ready to welcome a new generation of Kiwi families.
