The Top 7 Farmers Markets in New Zealand
Farmers markets quickly became one of our favorite ways to get to know New Zealand. During the warmer months, weekends often meant heading out early to see what was in season, who was selling what and how a town came together around food.
There’s something grounding about wandering through a market, chatting with stallholders, watching people catch up over coffee and trying whatever looks good in the moment. Over time, we noticed how naturally sustainability shows up at markets across the country, from reusable bags and cups to a strong focus on local and seasonal produce. It never felt forced, just part of everyday life.
This list is based on the places we spent time in during our travels across both the North and South Island. These are the farmers markets that stood out to us, not because they were perfect, but because they felt genuine and memorable.
Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market, Hastings
Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market was an easy favorite for us. We visited shortly after setting off on a road trip and between the sunshine, the wide open space and the sheer variety of local produce, it set the tone for what we loved about markets in New Zealand. It’s a feast for the senses, from the smell of fresh berries, flowers, baked goods and handmade soap to tasting fruit ice cream or listening to live music while sitting under a tree for shade. Even the information desk had free sunscreen on hand, a small detail that summed up the relaxed, thoughtful atmosphere.
The Hawkes Bay Farmers Market is one of New Zealand’s oldest weekly markets and has been around for many years. One of our favorite details was spotting the faces behind products we had already seen on supermarket shelves. This really felt like a market for locals as much as visitors. Families, friends and regulars all seemed to treat it as a weekly ritual. And yes, there was even a baby goat you could pet, which naturally attracted a small crowd of kids.
The Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market takes place every Sunday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Christchurch Farmers Market
We went to the Christchurch Farmers Market a few because we liked it so much and each time we grew more fond of it. The setting is part of what makes this market special. You can expect friendly, chatty business owners, a diverse selection of Canterbury's fresh seasonal food and many other tasty things to buy. The market attracts a lot of young people and in general everyone seems to be in a really good mood. There's a reason why this market was mentioned in Lonely Planet on the list of things to do in Christchurch!
To get to the market you enter Riccarton Bush through a big gate followed by an alley of trees and you’ll find about 80 stalls nicely set up in between the historic Riccarton House and the Avon river. The market focuses mainly on food and drinks, which suited us perfectly. We enjoyed sampling our way through the stalls, lingering over coffee and spicy chai in the park while live music played in the background.
The Christchurch Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday from 9 to 13:00.
The Nelson Market
The iconic Nelson Market is one of the largest and most diverse markets with over 200 stalls spread all over Montgomery Square and Downtown Nelson. It represents the regions finest produce as well as local artistry. It’s a lively mix of food, produce, crafts and local products, making it feel more like a community event than just a shopping stop. Trevor was particularly excited about a stall selling handmade wooden bows and arrows and was sad that we didn’t have space in the van for one.
Beyond the food stalls, there’s a strong creative presence, with artists and makers showcasing their work. One nice moment was meeting Norbert, a German expat selling honey under the name Norb’s Gold. Trevor immediately latched onto the name, which added an extra layer of amusement to the encounter since he likes to call me Norb from time to time. Other highlights: German Leberkäse and sausages, shaved ice, organic nut butter and the art in general.
By coincidence, we also kept running into the same traveling family here that we had met in other towns across the South Island and in Wellington. Seeing familiar faces again at different markets was a reminder of how small the traveling world can feel.
The Nelson Market takes place every Saturday from 8:00 to 13:00
The Otago Market, Dunedin
The Otago Farmers Market is lively, diverse and youthful, with an energy you notice right away. Located beside the railway station, it’s hard to miss, especially when live music sets the tone as soon as you arrive. When we visited, a small bluegrass band was playing near the entrance, immediately giving the market a warm, welcoming feel.
You choose from up to 75 stalls, offering produce coming from within the Otago region. The market focuses mainly on food, with stalls offering regional produce and ready-to-eat options. While not everything we tried was unforgettable, the overall atmosphere made up for it and we took the opportunity to stock up on fresh vegetables. It’s busy, social and very much a place where people come to start their weekend.
You’ll find the Otago Farmers Market every Saturday from 8:00 to 12:30
La Cigale French Market, Auckland
La Cigale French Market in Auckland is one of the classiest markets we’ve been to and has been voted Auckland's best farmers market for the last 8 years. Part of the market is outside and part located inside the café and market building. In the background you hear some saxophone music playing that suited the whole atmosphere of the market.
The outside area offered an abundance of stalls hawking food and goods from all over the world as well as the best vegetable stand we’ve seen in New Zealand! Inside the market hall you’ll find some more shops, a seating area with more tasty food such as croques, croissants and other French pastries. Right next to this a little fancy wine shop.
The biggest draw however is the cakery stand Sweet&me, right in the heart of the market and serving up delicious baked goods with a South Pacific twist! I got obsessed with his cake pops served with coconut whipped cream. I’m still dreaming about it! Every little baked piece brings attention to detail and you simply can’t get enough!
Come and explore the excellent La Cigale French Market Saturdays from 8:30am to 1:30pm and Sundays from 9am to 1:30pm
Gisborne Farmers Market
The Gisborne Farmers Market is on the smaller side but that is what makes it so charming and special. Everything is close together, making it easy to browse without feeling overwhelmed. The focus is firmly on locally grown and produced food, from fruit and vegetables to bread, meat and preserves.
We enjoyed a coffee from Far East Coffee Co Roastery, sampled local wine , ate dumplings and and walked away with a bag of generously sized avocados that felt like a small victory. The overall mood was relaxed and cheerful, helped along by sunshine. Every other stall was nicely decorated with fresh flowers. What a great market!
The Gisborne Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Lyttelton Farmers Market
Lyttelton is a charming port town just outside Christchurch, with houses tucked into the surrounding hills and plenty of character. The farmers market fits right into that setting, spread out near the harbor and surrounded by cafés and small shops.
Alongside food stalls, there’s a noticeable presence of local artists selling their work. We picked up bread, limes and coffee, enjoying the location even though the market felt a bit crowded on the day we visited.
While the atmosphere was more hectic than at some other markets, the setting alone makes it worth a visit, especially if you’re already exploring Lyttelton and the surrounding area.
The Lyttelton Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.
Farmers markets became a familiar rhythm for us while traveling through New Zealand, a simple way to feel connected to a place beyond first impressions. Each one reflected its region in its own way, shaped by local produce, people and pace. Long after leaving, these small moments are often what stay with us most.