Aucklanders are spoilt for choice with a range of local markets every weekend.
We feature our favourite markets for those who are kicking back in Auckland, or wishing to pop to a market before hitting the road.
La Cigale, Parnell
For Parnell’s early risers the La Cigale market is a delicious fair of French-inspired cuisine, as well as a space to shop for fresh produce. Amandine, pictured, is one of several stalls offering pâtisseries with seasonal fruit and rich chocolate.
The fair is impressive for instilling a sense of French chic all the way down here in New Zealand. And not many markets can boast a resident poodle – Coco at the Auntie Briars dog biscuits stall is often the centre of attention.
Saturday, 8am-1pm
Sunday, 9am-1pm
Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market
This community owned and operated market on Richmond Road is built on the premise of being a local alternative to large supermarket chains. It attracts nearby growers and fisherpeople into the city hub.
But the market doesn’t stop at stalls. There is a community trading table, where backyard growers can sell their garden surplus, and the market team run regular workshops on topics including gardening and preserving to support its zero waste market philosophy.
Sunday, 9am-2.30pm
Clevedon Village Farmers’ Market
The moment you pull up to a grass parking space at the Clevedon Markets, pictured, you can’t help but feel relaxed. It’s held at the A&P stock yards, with stalls set up around the perimeters leaving plenty of room for catching up with friends and family in the middle. (Note to self, inside the exhibition hall is where you will find the best coffee.) Grab a seat on a hay bale or wooden park bench to enjoy a meal while listening to local musicians.
Although it stays open until 1pm, growers can run out of produce in the morning. We recommend getting there early, especially if you want to hang around and chat with the stall owners, who are known to disclose the odd recipe or cooking tip.
Sunday, 8.30-am-1pm
Mt Albert Market
The Mt Albert Market offers two different markets, depending on whether the sun is up or down. Friday night sees a meet-up with the latest food trucks and local musicians. A recent event included Paella Pan with the traditional Spanish feast and Rolling pin’s authentic Japanese dumplings, with Te Rata wines and craft beer.
Meanwhile, Saturday is even more of a family-fare with local produce, fresh flowers and plenty of food stalls to attract your attention as you wander from stall-to-stall.
Friday, 6pm-9pm
Saturday, 9am-1pm
Matakana Village Farmers’ Market
Although this is a little out of the way for some city-slickers, the 55-minute drive north to the Matakana Markets, pictured, will be paid off, in the form of artisanal products and freshly brewed coffee from locally roasted beans.
On the banks of the Matakana River, it is one of the more picturesque market spots. It also has one of the largest ranges of stalls, from fresh Vietnamese spring rolls to knife sharpening.
Saturday, 8am-1pm
Alberton Market Day
This charming pop-up market held at the Alberton estate, tucked behind Mt Albert Road, has only one date left for the summer, April 9. The verandah of the historic homestead is the picturesque setting for artisanal products and cuisine from what seems to be every corner of the globe.
Located in a slice of the country, and a snapshot of simpler time, in the middle fo the city it’s the perfect market to indulge in a slow-moving Sunday.
Sunday, 9 April, 10am-2pm
