Who doesn’t like a bargain? And then there’s all that gorgeous food tempting the palate. Easy, convenient, the huddle of stalls offering everything to everyone who doesn’t love the excitement of exploring a good market. Wellington does not disappoint the avid, the dedicated market shopper be they from Christchurch, Auckland or Brisbane. Here’s a list of a few favourites.
Remember to always check if the market is open, surviving and thriving or closed.
1. HARBOURSIDE MARKET
Harbourside Market is the oldest and one of the best markets in Wellington. Since 1920 there have been pop up stalls selling produce and food.
Who needs to cook on their day off, Sunday is sorted with the Harbourside Market for inner city residents and visitors alike. The waterfront market offers fresh fruit and vegetables together with a succulent array of food choices. Bordeaux Bakery, a stalwart of Thorndon Quay has a food outlet. Your taste sensations are crisp, mouth melting French inspired baked goodies.
Then you could move onto a waffle flipped with homemade jams or savoury if that tickles your fancy. Take-aways are encouraged with House of Dumplings offering choices from vegetarian to the classic pork and greens. Frozen treats, souvlaki pizza the list goes on.
Remember to stop by the Kaikoura Cheeses for authentic artisan cheeses for the yummy bread sticks in your shopping bag. Perhaps you needed a knife sharpened to cut your fresh fish. That’s possible.
OPEN: Sundays, 7.30am-2pm (1pm in winter), Cable Street, beside Te Papa.
What to Do nearby Harbourside Market
Wow, the list of things to do in Wellington are plenty from the magnificent Te Papa National Museum collection to Weta Workshop. If you’ve got a teenager with your family group find as many Public sculptures Lambton Quay for a great selfie(s) including I LOVE WELLINGTON just the the beautifully painted harbour boatsheds.
2. RIVERBANK WEEKEND MARKET (LOWER HUTT)
Riverbank Market Lower Hutt – What a great use of public parking space when the Wellington office workers are home for the weekend.
Delicious fresh vegetables brimming from the producer’s bins. Guaranteed a variety of food trucks.
OPEN: Saturdays, 6am-2pm
What to Do nearby Riverbank Weekend Market
On the way back to Wellington central take the off ramp to Petone and check out the main street. Eclectic high street shopping at its best.
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3. THORNDON FARMERS’ MARKET
Thorndon Farmers’ Market reflects an emphasis on organic, free range products as well as producer sustainable practices. This is a deli market with boutique cold pressed and preserved goods that sometimes have not yet made it to the supermarket shelves.
An excellent market for deli treats, gifts. You will be inspired to try out that recipe you thought was too difficult when you spy the ingredients bottled, packaged ready to go. The cheeses, breads and vegetables are equally tempting.
OPEN: Saturdays, 8:30 am-12:30 pm, Hill Street car park, St Paul’s Cathedral, Thorndon.
What to Do nearby Thorndon Farmers Market
You are a short walk from the Parliamentary corner. Take a peek at where the power brokers hand out.
4. KARORI FARMERS MARKET
Karori Farmers Market is a relatively new entrant into the Saturday weekend market scene producer trucks, pop up food trucks. If you are on your way to Zealandia make sure to grab a bite or two.
Location: Campbell Corner, Karori Rd & Campbell St, Karori, Wellington
Wellington Night Market is PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Wellington Underground Market is PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Vegan Market Vault is PERMANENTLY CLOSED
For more ideas about things to do in Wellington check out our Wellington city guide.
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The journey is worth it.
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