The 7 Best Farmers Markets in New Zealand

29/1/2020

What better way to get to know New Zealand than strolling through its amazing farmer’s markets!

I love fresh locally grown products and everything that comes with farmers markets and we have been to so many! Let me show you where to find some of the best ones in the country.

Let’s talk about New Zealand’s amazing farmer’s markets! Especially during the summer months we (mostly me, Nora) loved visiting different markets around the North and South Island and to be honest, what better way to explore a new country and culture than through food and people. Strolling through a lively market on a warm weekend day where everyone gathers to enjoy delicacies and buys local goods.

Personally, I love the atmosphere and simply being in the middle of the action, observing the people and the friendly chats, laughter and happy faces at the different stalls. But what I love most of all is trying all the different delicious things you can buy at the markets!

Young Kiwis are very much aware of the changing climate and that this is the only planet we have. As a result, small businesses and locals are making small changes that contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Things like carrying your own bags to the supermarket, bringing(or borrowing) coffee mugs and using reusable beeswax wrap instead of plastic wrap is common. You’ll notice this especially at farmers markets alongside a great selection of vegetarian and vegan foods. They are small changes but they will add up in the future!

When we get to a new town we usually look up if there are any good farmers markets, grab our shopping bag and off we go. It’s so nice to meet locals, have a chat and try tasty food. With this in mind, we put together a list of our favorite farmers markets around New Zealand for you.

Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market

My absolute favorite market is the Hawkes Bay Farmers Market in Hastings. The combination of just having left on our road trip, the sunny weather, the large diversity of local produce and the relaxed atmosphere put us immediately in a good mood. On a big open field you’ll find the perfect mix of stalls which makes it difficult to decide where to start first.

It is a spectacle for all senses, from smelling fresh berries, flowers or self made soap to tasting fresh fruit ice cream or simply listening to the live music while sitting under a tree to get a break from the sun. On a side note, the information desk even offered free sunscreen!

The Hawkes Bay Farmers Market is one of New Zealand’s oldest weekly markets and has been around for about 17 years (which is long for NZ standards). Here you see the faces behind a brand you occasionally see in the supermarket shelf. The market has everything and more that you want in a regional market. Besides tourists, it’s the meeting point for locals, families and friends to enjoy the weekend together.

Another awesome plus point was the cute baby goat you could pet if you were to fight your way through all the kids. The Hawkes Bay Farmers Market takes place every Sunday from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

Christchurch Farmers Market

We went to the Christchurch Farmers Market a total of three times because we liked it so much and each time we grew more fond of it. 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. This market focuses mostly on food and beverages which is perfect for Trevor and I. You can enjoy a cup of spicy chai tea from the Chai Tent or freshly brewed coffee in the park while listening to live music and observing the festivities around you.

Just to name a few of our highlights: Shiitake mushrooms, battered tempe, hemp bread, fresh pressed apple juice, German style bread, Italian cookies, salami and of course all the fresh veggies!

Join the celebration of food at the Christchurch Farmers Market every Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

The Nelson Market

The iconic Nelson Market is probably the biggest market with over 200 stalls spread all over Montgomery Square and Downtown Nelson. It represents the regions finest produce as well as local artistry. While most farmers markets focus on fruits, veggies and food, the Nelson Market is pretty diverse also having craft stalls, local products and everything in between. Trevor was particularly excited about the guy selling handmade wooden bows and arrows and was sad that we didn’t have enough room in the van for one (sorry Trev!).

Our highlights: German Leberkäse and sausages, shaved ice, organic nut butter, the art in general and Norb’s Gold. Here you should know that Trevor loves calling me Norb... why? I don’t know! It turned out that Norb at the market was a German expat called Norbert (yes, Trev also calls me that sometimes!) who left Germany many years ago to establish a new lifestyle here in NZ making honey and selling it at farmers markets. What a friendly guy!

Another funny side story: in a parking lot in Wellington where we stayed for a few days before taking the ferry we met this American family traveling in two camper vans. Grandparents, mom, dad, a young kid and a toddler. Super nice people, here at this market we met them again and guess what we also saw them at the Christchurch Farmers Market and the last time we met them was at the Dunedin market. The world is just so small, and also full of farmers market enthusiasts apparently!

The Nelson Market takes place every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. Don’t miss out!

The Otago Market in Dunedin

The best description of the Otago Farmers Market: lively, diverse and young. It’s such a vibrant market that again focuses mainly on food. The vibe of the market is immediately set when you walk in and are greeted by a four man band playing some sweet bluegrass tunes!

You choose from up to 75 stalls, offering produce coming from within the Otago region.

We’ve tried some steamed buns, bread sticks, waited 15 minutes in line for a mediocre coffee but whatever, the atmosphere was great! I also couldn’t miss the chance to stock up on some fresh vegetables and fruits. Even though I shouldn’t eat any fruits since I am fructose intolerant but it just tastes so good!!

Check out the famous Otago market every Saturday from 8am to 12:30pm at the northern car park at Dunedin’s railway station.

La Cigale French Market in 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 at St Georges Bay Road on Saturdays from 8:30am to 1:30pm and Sundays from 9am to 1:30pm and say hi to Bertrand from Sweet&me!

Gisborne Farmers Market

The Gisborne Farmers Market is on the smaller side but that is what makes it so charming and special. Being densely packed, all of the spoils of the market are right next to each other. The goods are grown and produced in Gisborne and you can buy whatever you fancy from bread, fruits and vegetables to meat, fish, eggs and pickled veggies.

We enjoyed a coffee from Far East Coffee Co Roastery, did some wine tasting, ate dumplings and bought a bag of six big avocados for 5 bucks, what a deal! To top it off, everyone there was so friendly and in a great mood, probably because of the sun, wine and cheap avocados! Every other stall was nicely decorated with fresh flowers. What a great market!

You’ll find the Gisborne Farmers Market every Saturday from 9:30am to 12:30pm on the corner of Stout Street in Gisborne.

Lyttelton Farmers Market

Since we had already been a few times to the Christchurch Farmers Market we thought, we might as well check out the market in Lyttelton since it’s right next to Christchurch. Lyttelton is a charming port town with houses sitting in the surrounding hills.

Besides the food stalls the market offeres a good amount of artists selling their works. We ended up buying some bread, a chocolate bun, juicy limes and coffee. If you need a break from the market you can just walk into one of the side cafes.

Even though the market had a good selection of products, it was a bit packed but not so much in a good way. Some people seemed to be rushing around, bumping into each other and in an altogether not the best mood. That is unfortunate because the location is really nice, set close to the harbour. It might have just been that day, so we still recommend checking out this market and combining it with a visit to Lyttelton.

The Lyttelton market happens every Saturday from 9am to 1pm.