The Best Markets In Auckland New Zealand

In a country with a strong sense of community like New Zealand, even the biggest city is a big supporter of all things local. Markets throughout Auckland are filled with produce, artisan products, home baking and naturally-made goodies for visitors to savour. Just look at some of the area’s very best to get an idea.

1. Matakana Village Farmers' Market

Farmers' Market, Market, Beer, Street Food

Live music, artisan baking, local produce, honey, cheese and even a knife sharpening service — if you’re looking for an eclectic Saturday market, Matakana is the place to go. The market is always filled with locals, visitors, and Aucklanders heading on a weekend day trip not too far away from home. Matakana is a 40-minute drive from downtown Auckland and is also renowned for housing some of the best wineries in the region.

2. La Cigale French Market

Bistro, Cafe, Market, French

This Auckland icon is a definite must-visit for foodies. La Cigale French Market is held every Saturday and Sunday right outside its namesake café and bistro. Its stalls are filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goodies, seafood, cheese, salami and various vendors selling some great staples from Europe and beyond. Recently, La Cigale has also taken over the farmers’ market in Britomart — so anyone who is around the city centre can relish this continental occasion.

The Auckland Night Markets

Relying on more than 200 stalls on any given event, the bustling Auckland Night Markets bring an exciting Asian flavour to the market scene. Highlights include street foods from all corners of the world (predominantly from South East Asia) as well as a range of inexpensive produce and crafted goodies. The dynamic markets run across different locations: at the Botany Town Centre on Wednesday, in Henderson on Thursday, Papatoetoe on Friday, Pakuranga on Saturday, and Glenfield on Sunday.

3. Avondale Sunday Markets

Market

It’s not uncommon to hear that more than 20,000 people have visited the Avondale Sunday Markets on a typical Sunday morning. Since starting out in the early 1970s, this has become New Zealand’s biggest one-day market. The suburb’s local Asian and Polynesian culture is always well-represented throughout each stall — the market is a great place to grab an array of fresh produce, artworks, crafts, clothes, ready to eat foods, among various other goodies.

4. Otara Flea Market

Market, Street Food

The Otara Flea Market in South Auckland runs every Saturday from morning ’til noon, and is famous for having a strong Maori and Pacific influence. Foods, jewellery, clothing, arts, crafts, and nick-knacks of all sorts can be found on any given visit. Occasionally there are live musical and cultural performances too. Hangi, island doughnuts, steamed buns, bacon and egg rolls and chop suey are among the diverse foods you’ll get to taste as you scour through the market’s stalls.