Weekend markets nothing beats shopping where the locals go
Nothing beats a good holiday as a chance to indulge in retail therapy. Find out where the locals shop from street food stalls to homemade objects and wares. Live music gets the toes tapping while you stall crawl through bargains and creative art inspired displays. Grab a shopping bag and get shopping. As always check the market website for up to date information and opening hours. With your newly found foodie treat why not enjoy the outdoors at one of Christchurch’s 14 top picnic spots.
Christchurch Farmers’ Market Riccarton House and Bush
An original market, operating since 2004 the picturesque historic Riccarton House & Bush is the ideal setting for a market stall. The focus is local food producers, quality fresh produce and bakery goods. An early start is recommended for favourite breakfast stalls, just follow the locals. And the market website even has the recipes for the vendors’ creative goods. Although the locals probably don’t bother as a quick weekend trip to the Saturday market is much easier.
Picnic with the goodies under 100 year old trees beside the Avon River. Afterwards take a leisurely stroll through the protected 1.8 hectare native reserve, one of Canterbury’s original native forests that have survived settlement.
Focus
- Fresh produce, artisan goods and emerging crafty operators
- Open Saturday 9.00 am to 1.00pm
Location
16 Kahu Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
The Nifty Markets
There is nothing like unique, special objects crafted by passionate locals to get the shopping vibe going. The Nifty Markets showcases handmade, secondhand and emerging creative ideas in a monthly market. Perhaps it is a crochet hat in hand dyed wools or cotton or second hand books rebound and repurposed as diaries. The rotating stalls mean there is always something new or exciting to find. Check the website for the next opening date.
Focus
Art, artisan goods, secondhand repurposed objects
Location
105 Disraeli Street, Christchurch
Arts Centre Weekend Market
A Sunday market is a joy. The pace is relaxed and the historic Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora a perfect setting for buskers, handmade unique objects and the nearby visitor centre encouraging you to explore further. The place is popular with a great location. The heritage tram stop and nearby Christchurch Botanic Garden means there is plenty to do.
Focus
- Arts and crafts with a generous side order of food stalls
Open Sunday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Location
Market Square, Worcester Boulevard
Friday Street Food Markets
Foodie treats from around the world congregate in Cathedral Square on Friday night at the Friday Street Food Markets. Spicy Malaysian noodles, Asian fusion dumplings, stuffed hot potatoes, sweet treats and the new entrants are firm favourites with locals.
Focus
- Food, glorious food
- Open Fridays 11.00 am – 8.00pm
Location
Cathedral Square, Christchurch
Riccarton Market
The car boot sale is a hallmark of the extensive Riccarton Market. Today the iconic car boot offerings are complemented with a range of second hand goodies from books, tools, homeware and collectables. The market is stocked with fresh produce, plants and food stalls to keep the energy levels going. The market veteran has over 300 vendors. Outdoor seating, live music and entertainment makes this market a must do activity for all market afficianadoes.
Focus
- Everything including the kitchen sink
- Open Sunday 9.00 am – 2.00pm
Location
Race Course, 165 Racecourse Rd, Broomfield (there is plenty of car parking)
Opawa Farmers’ Market
Fresh produce, farm to plate offerings, organic producers and artisan bakehouse breads create a great Sunday breakfast option. For the discerning cook in your life you will find the ideal gift from local Italian cheese makes. Seasonal summer fruit is luscious and a perfect counterpoint to the intoxicating buttery French pastry. The Opawa Farmers’ Market is the place for foodie lovers, people who enjoy deli treats.
Focus
- Artisan food producers, fresh produce
- Open Sunday 9.00 am – noon
Riverside Market
While Riverside is not a pop up market, rather a permanent collection of specialist food stores the open air setting invokes a market ambiance. Riverside is a great year round destination as the indoor setting is weather proof. The cafes, fresh food markets offer visitors a classic market experience. Mingle with locals as they shop and enjoy a leisurely coffee with your newly acquired goodies nestled in your tote.
Here is an excuse to spend a day at the seaside, Visit New Brighton seaside market, listen to live music, linger over the crafty stalls and wander along the main promenade to the pier. New Brighton offers visitors an opportunity to indulge in warm salt-water pools or more a memorable picnic at Travis Wetlands, where an important conservation story is unfolding.
Explore Christchurch’s exciting food scene on a Christchurch food tours and workshops and get to meet the locals.
For weekend markets a short drive from Christchurch check Seven weekend markets a short drive from Christchurch.
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