10 weekend markets a short drive from Auckland to visit

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.

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.

What to do nearby:

• Waipu Heritage Museum
• Bream Bay exploration

Open: The market is largely indoors, Coronation Hall held 2nd Sunday of the month.

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.

What to do nearby:

• Duder’s Regional Park
• Cosseys Reservoir walk

Open Every Sunday.

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.

What to do nearby:

• Visit Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery
• Keep on travelling and check out where wild meets west coast beaches

Open, Last Sunday of every month.

TIP

Remember to check just before departing the market is operating. Due to unforesee events the market can be abruptly cancelled. This is usually due to weather conditions or, more recently covid19 restrictions.

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.

What to do nearby:

• Puhoi Heritage Museum
• Kayak Puhoi River

Open Puhoi Farmers Market — 9:30am – 1:00pm last Sunday in the month

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.