Markets, New Zealand Overview
New Zealand is known for the markets that open mostly on weekends for the locals as well as tourists who frequently shop at these events. Most of these are farmers’ markets or produce markets where growers and farmers and sell their own fresh produce to the customers. These markets are widely popular for the quality of fruits, vegetables, dairy, etc. that are found. Apart from the items sold, the markets usually have stalls that serve breakfast and freshly brewed coffee too.
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Christchurch Farmers' Market
The Christchurch Farmers’ Market is located within the confines of the historic Riccarton House and Bush area (16 Kahu Road) in the suburb of Riccarton and remains open to all on every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market offers deliciously baked goodies freshly made by the vendors and even more delectable confectionary to satisfy one’s sweet tooth. It is advised to bring your own shopping bags or to buy one from the available stalls at a cost of $8 each. The market also does not encourage dogs around the stalls, but they are allowed to be on the field areas around the house on a lead.
Markets in New Zealand
A lot of these markets are famous spots for hanging out with friends and family. Some of them, like the Christchurch Farmers’ Market in Riccarton, the Matakana Farmers’ Market and the La Cigale French Market in Auckland, the Rotorua Night Market, and the Wellington Harbourside Market, are famously known amongst the tourists, but there are many other lesser-known markets that are worth a visit, like the Whangarei Growers’ Market, the Otago Farmers’ Market and the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market.
Matakana Farmers' Market
The popularly loved Matakana Farmers’ Market opens every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Market Square of Matakana, Auckland. It’s best known for the vineyards in the area, along with the stage performances, food stalls, artisanal creations and more, adding to its homely vibe. It is also famous for buying edibles like Whangaripo buffalo cheese, Manuka honey and whitebait fritters. It is advised to bring your own shopping bags as the area is zero-waste. The weekly market is the perfect place for picnics or a day off with friends and family.
Whangarei Growers' Market
The Whangarei Growers’ Market is not only one of the popular places to buy fresh local produce at, but also one for entertainment and to experience the cultural and traditional music and food items of New Zealand. It is open every Saturday morning, adored by the local community for the live music by buskers, the famous coffee served at the market and the company of the local producers and growers selling their produce themselves. The market follows a rule that all produce sold must come from the Northland, hence the market is one of the best places to buy authentic raw food items.
La Cigale French Market
The La Cigale French Market in Parnell, Auckland opens every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The French inspired market has been voted Auckland’s Best Food Market, and very justifiably so. Fresh produce and quality products are sold at this market by overseas producers. Items like French cheese, smoked Akaroa salmon, pâtés, terrines, jams, chutneys, etc. are all found and mostly bought from this market. Their café serves the famous Croque Monsieur along with a great cup of coffee to the visitors after they’ve shopped to their heart’s satisfaction.
Wellington Harbourside Market
The most popular, and also the oldest market in Wellington, goes by the name of the Harbourside Market, which opens every Sunday morning, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the winters and from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the summers. It’s been serving the local population since the year 1920, making it one of the markets that are very hard to miss. Located on the corner of Cable Street and Barnett Street, the market is mostly visited for its fresh produce and hot food items that are served. Items like vegetables, herbs, eggs, deli meats, etc. are sold by the stall holders at the market. It is advisable to carry your own bags or buy a reusable bag at their kiosk for $3 only. Parking is available for $2 per hour while the market remains open.
Otago Farmers' Market
The Otago Farmers’ Market in Dunedin opens every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Northern Carpark Dunedin Railway Station. Around 75 stall holders sell fresh food items and artisan products from in and around the local province. Items like fruits, vegetables, baked items, cheese, honey etc. are mostly bought by the flocks of people who attend this market. Roasted coffee brewed fresh for the customers and filling breakfast is also served by the market, making it widely famous as a spot for a day-out with friends and family.
Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market
The Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market is known for the variety and vibrance of the performing and visual arts put together by various artists and crafters. The artists usually flock in to perform and put their creations out on display from different parts of the South Island. The market is widely famous for its live music and relaxed vibe, appealing to the local population that usually spends its weekend at the market. It opens every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the months of November to April and from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the months of May to October. Sometimes, there are extra market days that the holders open for the public. Parking must be done opposite Earnslaw Park in the 5 minute zone or opposite Pub on Wharf as cars are not allowed inside the park.
Rotorua Night Market
The Rotorua Night Market is an extremely popular market amongst the locals and the visitors as one of the must-attend events. It opens every Thursday evening from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Tutanekai Street. The market offers boutique-style shopping along with ethnic cuisine and live music performed by the local entertainers. It is advisable to carry light jackets or shawls as the temperate can drop unexpectedly during the specified time period and also to bring enough cash as the ATM queues around the market tend to get extremely long.
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