Seven best Farmers' Markets for your wholesome weekend activities

The sun is starting to shine through and on top of that, we’re back to level one! That means more outdoor ventures, road trips, outings with friends and family, hitting the beach and day drinks in the sun. With everything that’s been happening around the world, it’s safe to say - we deserve all the fun we can get. 

I’m beyond excited to tick my list of all the farmers' markets I’ve been meaning to visit! The feeling that hits the moment you walk into a market early in the morning is a godsend. To share the love, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best farmer’s markets around Auckland…

City Farmers’ Market - Sunday

Farmers’ Market in the CBD? A contrast for sure, but maybe you’re looking for a city-based-activity? The Market situated in Britomart’s Takutai Square brings the bustling city a country vibe. Showcasing fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables every Sunday and an array of different meats and pastries. The perfect place to get a taste of the country in the central city. My personal favourite thing to do is, after getting my croissant and a coffee, I plot myself on the grass area in the sunshine. Such a relaxing time! For our first-timers: market-goers get parking for just $6 at the Britomart carpark, only if the ticket is validated - crucial!

Clevedon Farmers’ Market - Sunday

Why not escape the bustling city and trek to the Clevedon Farmers’ Market this Sunday? Filled with limitless of fresh goods such as pastries and sweets, handcrafted cheese, preserves, honey and free-range meats. We love anything that’s dog-friendly, you’ll see a bundle of doggos running around with their own wee stall of doggy-treats with a little pup guarding it! Perfect place for a wholesome date with your soulmate, or even a day out with your family! Kids will gain a love for the markets with an area for pony rides!

Matakana Village Farmers’ Market - Saturday

This is the perfect place to check out or revisit if you’re planning on going for a wee roadie up north. Stop by at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market just before you head to the beach. On Saturday mornings, the market space gets full of farmers, shoppers and visitors. If you have a furry friend, they even have a space for where you get leave with a trusted dog-sitter while you shop and enjoy yourself! Make sure you grab a crepe and a bouquet of colourful roses on your way out - my absolute go-to. If you want to dine-in, sit by the water at the market space and watch the ducks roam around!

Oratia Farmers’ Market - Sunday

A farmers’ market held on a farm - makes sense. This is what makes Oratia Farmers’ Market the most authentic! Why go to a supermarket when you can get your fresh goods directly from the original source? Held every Saturday morning, you can get your veggies, freshly baked bread, chutneys and hot pies - YUM. 

Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market - Sunday

If you’re feeling like doing a quick shop of fresh veggies but still want to be somewhere nearby, check out the Grey Lynn Community Centre on Sundays for their Farmers’ Market! A community-run market will make you feel at-home with local-growers, farmers and fishermen from in and around Auckland. Their number one goal is sustainability and desires of claiming the place of being Auckland’s first zero-waste market. 

La Cigale French Market - Saturday & Sunday

The crowd-favourite La Cigale French Market. Since we can’t travel anywhere internationally, why not travel somewhere closeby to indulge in all things French? Practice your French with the French venders and cultivate yourself with their cuisine. My personal tip would be to get in early as I said before - it’s a crowd-favourite, so they get bustling by the minute.

Hobsonville Point Farmers’ Market - Saturday & Sunday

If you love a good Farmers’ Market trip THAT much, you can enjoy it TWICE - Hobsonville Point Farmers’ Market is held twice weekly! Devour some of the freshest baked goods whilst exploring the market that’s located inside an old aeroplane hangar at the landing by the Hobsonville Ferry Terminal. While you’re at it, enjoy some funky tunes played by the musicians there… Rain or shine, you can experience the market regardless of the weather since it’s indoors!