Nelson
For more than 40 years, the Nelson market has been showcasing the finest produce, art and crafts from the local community, not to mention a variety of food carts offering tasty brunches and snacks.
The market is open on Saturdays from 8am-1pm in Montgomery Square, in the heart of the city. And on Sundays, head back (same place and time) to Monty’s Sunday Market, a treasure trove of recycled gems, collectables, vintage goodies and fresh produce.
Matakana
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Matakana Market |
Just an hour north of Auckland city, the Matakana Village Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 8am-1pm in the Market Square. Breathe in the fresh country air and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the picturesque village, which really is a destination in itself. Grab yourself a packet of tasty Matakana Bacon (it’s nitrate and sugar-free) for lunch, and perhaps a bottle of batch10 Pink Gin for a little later in the day!
Queenstown
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Queenstown Market |
Set up beside the lake front at Earnslaw Park, the Saturday Arts and Crafts Market is surrounded by stunning scenery and offers a laidback holiday vibe. The market isn’t as big as some, but the arts and crafts are hard to resist.
Artists from around the South Island head to the market to sell their handmade goods, so if you’re looking for unique gifts, or something special for yourself, this is the place to find it. Our pick – the gorgeous dishes from Zazou Pottery.
Bay of Islands
Travelling around Northland? Plan a stop at the Old Packhouse Market in Kerikeri, open Saturdays 8am-1.30pm, and Sundays 9am-1.30pm. On Saturdays, there are more than 100 stalls selling locally grown produce, seafood, meats and artisan products.
Plus there are street food vendors, an in-house bakery and two cafes. On Sunday, the vibe switches up a little with a car boot area, clothing stalls, and retro and vintage goodies.
Wellington
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Harbourside market |
Open every Sunday from 7.30am-1pm in winter and 2pm in summer, the huge Harbourside Market is on the corner of Cable and Barnett Streets (right next to Te Papa). One of the oldest in Wellington, it evolved from the markets that began trading there in 1920.
Browse the fresh produce, enjoy entertainment by street performers, or watch the boats come in and unload their fresh catches at the harbourside. Grab a tasty morsel for lunch before heading to Te Papa for the afternoon!
Coatesville
Held at the Coatesville Settlers Hall and Reserve on the first Sunday of each month, the Coatesville Market has been going strong for more than 12 years. Set amid farmland, it’s a wonderful place to spend a few hours on a weekend morning. There’s an excellent selection of arts and crafts stalls, and plenty of great food on offer, and live music to enjoy it with.
Hawke’s Bay
One of the oldest and largest of its kind in the country, the Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market is brimming with fresh produce and artisan goodies. The market is held every Sunday from 8.30am-12.30pm at the A&P Showgrounds, Hastings. We’ve heard the Harald’s Bread World German doughnuts are not to be missed!
Taupo
If you’re passing through Taupo on a Saturday, set aside a few hours to enjoy a wander through the market between 9am and 1pm. Stock up on winter veges, find a unique gift from the arts and crafts stalls, and enjoy a delicious brunch while you’re there. There’s also a Trash and Treasure Fair on the first Saturday of every month. The market is set up on the upper Riverside Park on Redoubt Street, rain or shine.
