10 weekend markets a short drive from Auckland to visit

A favourite Sunday day trip to Coatsville to check out the latest artisan goods, home crafted ware and food stalls situated around the Coatsville Settlers Hall. This is a market sure to become a firm calendar date. Country charm meets city urban vibe creating a memorable experience for market goers. It’s well worth the drive, family friendly with lots of trees for kids to chill out.

A pretty village with more than a touch of Auckland with designer stores, gift shops and a well known ice cream parlour vying for attention with the pop up market stalls. Matakana is home to several artisan bakeries making it a regular stop for day trippers on their way to Snells Beach and beyond. This is a market locally roasted coffee, hand-ground spices and delicious foodie treats make this a great place to bring visitors, of course the locals know about the place already.

A genuine country market with home made local jam makers supporting the nearby school with knitted tea cosies next to a stall marketing plants. Fresh vegetables and produce together with a range of craft goods. Waipu is a great market destination as the town’s museum is open on market days as well as the reserve encouraging visitors to indulge in an impromptu picnic.

Clevedon A&P Showgrounds set the tone for a well respected farm to plate market experience. Local producers include Clevedon Buffalo, heritage tomato growers and olive oil producer, River Estate. A perfect place for picnic treats for a day exploring regional parks and nearby walks.

A market that’s fabulous, difficult to find parking due to the terrain and popularity of the market however worth the effort getting there and spending time soaking up the village charm of Titirangi. A world class gem of a gallery with its spectacular vistas of the ranges and west coast beaches.

Several markets in the area compete for weekend shoppers. Mangawhai Village Market, held in the Library Hall is a general country market with fresh produce, local cheeses, farm to gate olive oil, bakery goods, plants and books. The market is every Saturday 9.00 – 1.00pm. Mangawhai Tavern Market is situated in the grounds of the iconic Mangawhai Tavern making for a picturesque location. Every Saturday morning.

Perhaps you might see wood chopping competition or vintage cars decide to make an appearance. Puhoi with its well known cheese factory is a firm favourite among locals for its farm to gate supplies, the location and the entertainment value. The market is lively with vendors coming from Whangarei through to Waikato. The pretty heritage village is buzzing on market day.

A great market for families with sheep doing their thing as the market is situated on a working farm. The Kumeu showgrounds are the venue for over 80 stalls, indoors making this a weather protected venue. Auckland buskers are regulars together with home baked goods, farm to gate producers and local artists and bric-a-brac creating a traditional weekend market theme. There are pony rides for children.

Another favourite due to its location under the oaks in Victoria park with the nearby cafes offering temptations to linger. The market is an old fashioned classic with homemade ware, local pickles together with farm to gate producers from the agricultural riches of the Waikato. Live music adds to the relaxed atmosphere. Cambridge is a considerable heritage collection of buildings and monuments giving visitors a reason to tarry longer exploring the district.

Need a reason to cruise the Hauraki Gulf? Here’s a great idea. The Ostend market is excellent with lifestyle and producers create an original market with one of kind wares. While there is unlikely to be home knitted tea cosies there are artisan and artists representing their own works. Together with the cuisine the island is known for you will not be hungry at all while perusing the stalls.