Famers’ markets are where we bag seasonal produce at the peak of freshness and get to meet the people who grow our food. Meanwhile the markets also provide one of the only low-barrier entry points for farmers, growers and artisan producers to meet consumers, start small, test the market, and grow fledgling businesses.
Here are five of the biggest and best winter farmers’ markets around the country.
1. Focus on organics
Tauranga Farmer’s Market, Saturday morning, 31 Fifth Avenue, Tauranga
2. By the highway
Perched on the edge of SH1 in central Amberley, this market of passionate group of growers and producers from the local North Canterbury food community offers the best in fresh, local produce and artisan goodies. You’ll find a great choice of freshly harvested vegies at Grown‘s stall as well as several varieties of apples, and Fernside Microfarm range of microgreens. You’ll find lemons at Flashbacks Retro Food Wagon, plus The Butcher’s Mistress Rangiora,Stony Creek Breads,Little Farm Goat Dairy, Mt Grey Olives, Paige’s Pantry,The Herbalists, Pams Coffee & Jams, Waipara Valley Honey,Hancock’s Excelsior Soap, Sarah’s Sublime Succulents and more.
Amberley Farmers Market, Saturday 9am -12:30pm 66 Carters Road, Amberley
3. Zero waste
Matakana Village Farmers’ Market – a foodie’s heaven with a focus on fresh, sustainable and local artisan goods. Zero waste, so bring your own baskets or bags and stock up on fresh produce, flowers, breads, deli treats and sweets.Open every Saturday 8am – 1pm all year round.
Matakana Village Farmers’ Market, Saturday 8am – 1pm, 2 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana
4. Oldest in a garden
The Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market opened in 2000 and is one of the oldest and largest Farmers’ Markets in the country. Located in the tree-lined grounds of the Waikoko Gardens during the summer months, in winter the markets move slightly indoors to the Grandstand and Exhibition Hall.
Urban Farmers Market, Saturday 9am-1pm, Clive Square, Napier; Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market, Sunday 8.30am-12.30pm, Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds, Kenilworth Rd, Hastings
5. True to food
The Otago Farmers Market is an authentic farmers market staying true to the principles of being solely a food market, with vendors coming from within the Otago region and being at their stall every Saturday to talk to customers. Established in March 2003, by a charitable trust with a strong educational focus, it’s also one of the oldest Farmers Market.
Otago Farmers Market, Saturday morning, 8am -12:30pm, Northern Carpark Dunedin Railway Station
Photos: Brydie Thompson, used with permission from Nourish Magazine
