Ōtautahi Christchurch—the Garden City. Or should we be calling it the Market City? After having a look at this list, you’ll probably agree.

From quaint Cotswoldian farmers' markets, quietly trading beneath Gothic grandeur, to sleepy seaside towns and suburbs swapping crafts every Saturday.

We’re gonna take a wander, you and I, and you’ll want to pack your pocket money. These are the Best Markets in all of Ōtautahi Christchurch (and slightly beyond) to explore in 2026.

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Jump to:

• Christchurch Farmers Markets
• Craft And Artisan Markets
• Night Markets In Christchurch
• Sunday Markets In Christchurch

Christchurch Farmers’ Markets

Christchurch Farmers’ Market

Riccarton House & Bush, 16 Kahu Road, Fendalton, Christchurch

Image credit: Christchurch Farmers’ Market | Instagram

We’re kicking things off with a bit of an institution around these parts. The Christchurch Farmers Market has been serving up the very best of Cantabrian produce—whether it be from local fruit & vege slangers, cheesemongers, meat merchants, pastry professionals, or just about whatever else you can sink your teeth into or slurp up—for over twenty years now.

It’s a standout Saturday market in Christchurch, which is as well known for its selections as it is for operating out of one of the most idyllic settings in the city—the open air grounds of the historic Riccarton House & Bush, a 1856 Homestead and garden backing onto 18 hectares of stunning native bush, known as ‘Putaringamotu’. 

Yep, you can start every Saturday at 9am sharp by wandering alongside the river Avon, meandering beneath 100-year-old trees and musing to live music while eating and drinking (Hummingbird coffee goes hard btw) yourself sick. But if you still have a bit of space left, then why not try making a booking at the much-revered Local at Riccarton House Restaurant & Venue?

When: Saturdays 9am-12pm

South Christchurch Farmers' Market

70 Colombo Street (Next To Christchurch South Library), Cashmere, Christchurch

Image credit: South Christchurch Farmers’ Market | Facebook 

Another nine ‘til noon Saturday morning affair, South Christchurch Farmers’ Market is your salt of the earth, nuts and bolts kind of weekend market. Vege, bread, pastries, eggs, seasonal fruit and locally made Italian cheeses. It’s got what you need, fresh and delicious every single Saturday.

Standouts include the glass-bottled, locally produced Serra oat milk, and if you wake up to a classic Cantabrian winter’s frost, then just know steaming cups of coffee, chai and soup await. Another one of the handiest Saturday markets in Christchurch.

When: Sundays 9am-12pm

Riverside Market

96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central

Image credit: Riverside Market | website

One of Christchurch's crown jewels of the rebuild and a symbol of the city’s flourishment post-quakes, the Riverside Market boasts a collection of producers, eateries and bars that rivals the very best dining precincts in the country. Beautifully designed and immaculately presented day in day out, there's a seven-day indoor farmers market that, like any market worth its Himalayan rock salt, hosts a butchery, bakery, delicatessen, and fishmonger. 

But the real attraction of Riverside markets has to be the binge-worthy food available. We’re talking (and let’s just take it alphabetically aye), Bellbird baked Goods, BLACK BURGER, Charing Cross Cheesery, The Creperie, Cluck Cluck Slurp, Curiosity gin, Empire Coffee, Fritz’s Wieners, Gelato & Tea, Hanoi Alley, Herba Gourmet, Hikari Sushi Train, Indo Tempeh Kathmandu Momo House, Kaiser Brothers Brewery, Malaysia delights, Mediterranean Food Co., Midnight Shanghai, Mischief with wine, Moustache, Ramen Ria, Shaka Bros—and that’s just some of them.

And once you’ve demolished your body weight in delicious eats, have someone roll you down the adjacent Riverside Lanes for a bit of retail therapy.

When: Sunday to Wednesday, 7.30am-8pm, Thursday to Saturday 7.30am-9pm. Eateries, bars and restaurants are open 'til late (and open on Public Holidays).

New Brighton Seaside Market

25 Brighton Mall, Christchurch, New Zealand

Image credit: New Brighton Seaside Market | Facebook

There’s something about the name “New Brighton Seaside Market” that really tickles my feathers. I’m picturing a salty winter's day, rugged-up and red-nosed with the seagulls squawking above, a warm cup of something delicious in my hand and the gentle notes of local musicians harmonising with the sea.

New Brighton Beach is charming enough to visit without any reason at all, but add in a local market with live entertainment, a myriad of stores, free face painting and delicious kai, and you’ve got me there with bells on. Plus, with a playground next door and hot pools a hop, skip, and a jump away, why not make a day of it? All I hope is that the face painter does lions.

When: Saturdays 10am-2pm

Lyttelton Farmers' Market

London Street, Lyttelton

Image credit: Author 

If you fancy a weekend cruise over the hills and down toward gentle blue bays that border a sleepy seaside town (and frankly, why wouldn't you?), then you might as well visit the very neat Lyttelton Farmers’ Market while you’re at it. They even start a touch later at 10am, giving your wandering self a bit of extra time to get there.

Running every Saturday till 1pm on London Street—the quaint town’s main strip—the market stocks all the local good stuff they can get their hands on. Free range eggs, organic vegetables, fresh fruit and more; fill your tote with pesto, bread, cheese, dressings, fresh fish, salmon, beef, venison and even some smoked eel. Stock up on some flowers and chocolate for mum, nana or the mr or mrs and grab a couple of indoor plant besties to cap it all off.

And if all of that ain’t enough, surely a bit of live music and freshly brewed coffee will seal the deal. Going dry for July? Mauriora Kombucha will be in town to sort ya out, and their Green Tea & Mīere brew (kombucha's cultured cuzzie) is straight up delicious. Me? You'll need a crowbar to separate me from one of those Hope River Bolognaise Mince Pies.

When: Saturdays 10am-1pm

Riverlution Farmers Market

50B Vogel Street, Christchurch

Image credit: Riverlution Farmers Market | Facebook

This is the place to be on Saturday mornings—located along the City to Sea pathway, next to the cool new playground at Avebury, Riverlution Market is bringing locally-grown organic veggies and so much more. Based at Richmond Community Garden, there's so much going on with interactive hands-on seed planting workshops, upcycling how-to's, live music and games too. Get yourself some bargain seedlings from RCG Garden and stock up on Nourish Oraka's nourishing frozen meals, with a coffee in hand from Rad Roasting (plus a treat from Sour Bakery sourdough, or Jammit Cakery's vegan and gluten-free baking). 

When: Every Saturday, from 9am-12.30pm

Ohoka Farmers Market

Ohoka Domain, Corner of Mill and, Whites Road, Ohoka

Image credit: Ohoka Farmers Market | Website

About 15 minutes north of Christchurch is Ohoka Farmers Market, celebrating local produce, artisan makers and good vibes—there's even an annual Great Cake Competition held on Good Friday every year, where entries are free to everyone (including stallholders and kids under 13). At the end of the comp, they sell the cakes by the slice at the end (for a bargain $6), with proceeds going to North Canterbury Wellbeing Trust. With the market being in it's 16th season this year, it shows just how popular this market is to locals and travellers. They run early-bird shopper times from 8.30am, and then the rest of the crowd comes in at 9am-12.30pm, rain or shine. Jump on their website to sign up to their weekly newsletter for all the deets on what stallholders to expect for the week. 

When: Every Friday, from 8.30am for early bird shoppers, then 9am-12.30pm. Note that they are based at the Ohoka Domain from October to April in the summer, and at the Ohoka Domain Carpark from May to September during the colder months. 

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Craft And Artisan Markets

Garden City Mākete

Te Matatiki Toi Ora (The Arts Centre Christchurch), 28 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central City

Image credit: Garden City Mākete | Facebook 

Founded just four years ago, but already Christchurch’s biggest craft market, Garden City Mākete is a haven for artisans and artists alike. Known throughout the lands by lovers of fine, eclectic and well-crafted goods near and far, it’s all about the old ways here: handmade. But these one-of-a-kind treasures only fill up a few varying locations throughout the year. To keep in the know year-round, you’ll have to check out their socials page.

And for the sustainable sisters and misters among us, the Mākete is a hotspot for ethical gift options, but if you have a special someone that needs a special something ASAP, then you’ll be delighted to know that the GCM crew run a downsized weekly affair known as The Seekers Mākete.

When: Next Garden City Mākete is on Saturday 14th February 2026 from 10am-3pm. The Seekers Mākete is on every Saturday, 10am-3pm at Te Matatiki Toi Ora.

The Seekers Mākete

Market Square at Te Matatiki Toi Ora (The Arts Centre), Christchurch Central City

Image credit: The Seekers Mākete | Instagram 

As for The Seekers Mākete, well, you can peruse their many crafty stalls and gorge on all the gourmet street food they have to offer, on a weekly basis. Located at aptly named Market Square at Te Matatiki Toi Ora (The Art Centre), the market trades every Saturday from 10am-3pm, buzzing away before a stunning backdrop of Gothic Revival buildings—the University of Canterbury’s former town site.

Much like its parent market, Seekers provides a weekly bounty of the best crafts talented locals have to offer, with a very big helping of sweets and treats on the side. Don't miss the Brazilian cheese ball from Luca & Camila at Koé Cheese Bread (you can thank me later).

Handcrafted jewellery, art, pottery, homewares, sweets, treats, pastries, live tunes and just about anything else you might want to throw your wallet at. But don’t forget to have a good gander at the site itself, which boasts New Zealand’s largest collection of category one heritage buildings. It's basically Diagon Alley crossed with Hogwarts, I just wish they brewed Butter Beer around here…

When: Saturdays 10am-3pm

Shabby Chic Market Day

The Rochester Villa, 21 Connal Street, Woolston, Christchurch

Image credit: Shabby Chic Market Day | Facebook

Now this one’s for the serious bargain hunters. The antique aficionados. The dust-that-thingamabob-off, chuck-in-that-other-doo-dacky-and-call-it-twenty-bucks-for-both caballeros.

Christchurch's longest-running vintage market, the Shabby Chic Market Day, is a once-a-month cash-only vintage market in Woolston, held on the first Sunday of every month from September to May. Here, treasures and troves tumble out of the historic 19th-century Rochester Villa and down across the lawn for visitors to pore over and pick at. Linens, clothes, costumes, jewels, collectibles, retro, kitsch and kitchen, antiques, craftworks, furniture, restored, revamped and recycled items, books, toys, art, homewares, and mountains and masses of much, much more

While they hibernate during the winter months, there are a few midwinter ‘Grannys A Hoarder' rummage sales going down as well. The perfect chance, in Shabby’s own words, to “clear out the attic and jumbly rooms and have a good old-fashioned sale.” And a good old-fashioned sale it will be. Homewares, kitchenalia, blankets, eiderdowns, jewels, china, crystal, art, linens, winter projects, and “dusty old things” all priced accordingly. Which means, priced to sell. 

When: The first Sunday of every month from Spring until Autumn (September to May) 11am-3pm (with the odd winter rummage sale).

Encraftment Market

Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre, 75 Lyttelton Street, Christchurch

Image credit: Encraftment Market | Facebook

This is another one you’ll have to wait a little while for, but take it from me, you’ll be glad you had time to save up your pennies. And not because of the price tags, but because of how much lovely stuff you’re going to have to convince your better half to take home… “Seriously? Another small mug that looks like it would’ve been teased at Briscoes? That's thirteen this week.”

Held as many times as I’m seen out these days—twice a year (always anticipated, sorely missed)—the Encraftment Market is considered a premier handmade craft market around these parts. Entry is free, but attendance is a must, as every dollar you spend directly supports small local businesses in a time when running your own joint is getting harder by the day.

When: Twice every year, check website or socials for the next date in 2026.

Ōtautahi Crafters Market

555 Colombo Street, Christchurch

Image credit: Ōtautahi Crafters Market | Facebook

With over 160 stalls with handmade, local goods—this is the hub for all things community and creativity. These markets run every season with one-off pop-up events and the annual Christmas Market come December. This year, their next market has included ticketed exclusive first-look VIP hour before general admission, as well as sensory hour. Check out their socials for all the details, plus special limited spaces classes like Paint or Decorate Your Own Cookie (open to all ages) and Easter Cookie decorating to channel your inner baker.

When: Every season, with the next date for 2026 on Saturday 28th-Sunday 29th March (The Ōtautahi Crafters Easter Market edition)

The Nifty Markets

306 Cashel Street, Christchurch

Image credit: The Nifty Markets | Facebook

Sustainable fashion and vintage clothing lovers, this one's for you. Since opening up their cute pink brick-and-mortar store, The Nifty Markets host a flea market every few months. What started as a small flea market at Benny's Barber Shop in Ōtautahi in 2018 has grown into a permanent space for people to buy and sell pre-loved clothing in 2022. Having just held their first late night and mini market for the year with vintage clothing stalls, tooth gems from Dazzle Teeth and vegan kai from the Saucey Kiwis, keep an eye out for the next one to pop up again (and hopefully soon). 

When: Every few months, keep an eye on their socials for updates.

Night Markets In Christchurch

Christchurch Night Market

Various locations

Image credit: Christchurch Night Market | website

The good, hungry citizens of Christchurch said, “Give us more, " and the Christchurch Night Market said, “Bet”. 

Yep, they run two locations over three nights—a recent relocate to Waterloo Business Park on a Thursday and Ferrymead on a Friday and Saturday. Word on the street is that did plan to open a third in Kaiapoi town centre (we hear it's around the park-and-ride site) a couple of years back, so fingers crossed it works out. 

These guys are the king of eats, with a side of some crafts and maybe a mobile Karaoke van every now and then. And I would explain more, but I have this one Tina Turner number that I want to nail before Saturday… and actually, it’s almost Thursday, and I’m feeling pretty hornby for a fried potato skewer…

When: Waterloo Business Park, 907 Halswell Junction Road, Islington on Thursdays 6-9pm, 10 Settlers Crescent, Ferrymead on Fridays and Saturdays 5.30-9pm.

Vegan Night Mākete

Phillipstown Community Hub, 39 Nursery Road, Phillipstown, Christchurch

Image credit: Aureate Artisan Foods | Supplied 

Gone are the days of weak gags and cheap laughs at the expense of our tofu-worshipping brethren. Some of the best eats you can get in this country are courtesy of our delightfully conscious vegan community. The Vegan Night Mākete champions that, showcasing the best local plant-based foods and goods every last Sunday of the month.

They also aim to raise awareness of the environmental, animal welfare and health benefits of the wholesome path, bringing the community together, one scrumptious falafel at a time. Because really, level with me here… what beats a good falafel?

Oh, and there’s also the likes of Indo Tempeh House, Frappe Frenzy, Lettuce Eat Moroccan, Mind Your Temper vegan chocolate bon bons, Panna Soaps, Saucey Kiwis, Seaside Chai, OAR, OMG Donuts, OS’s Kitchen, Wildwood Pizza, and the vegan cupcakes and decadent vegan lemon curd range from Fern at Aureate Artisan Foods (previously Aureate Cakery and Unbakery). In case you weren’t salivating already (by the thought of falafel, that is), you'll have dinner and dessert covered. 

When: Last Saturday of every month. Daylight saving hours for October-March are 5pm-8pm, Winter hours during April-September are 3.30pm-7pm, and the annual Christmas Mākete is usually the last Saturday before Christmas, 5pm-8pm.

Sunday Markets In Christchurch

The Riccarton Sunday Market

Riccarton Racecourse, Riccarton Park, 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch​

Image credit: The Riccarton Market | website

Riccarton Market at Riccarton Racecourse on Racecourse Road is something I want you to say five times fast. Done?

If you’re familiar with the garden city, you may have heard of Riccarton Market—the largest Christchurch market that runs rain or shine. Drawing in over 10,000 hungry, happy people every Sunday, the market is GOATED in my eyes for a far less illustrious reason: free parking.

Over 200 stalls stocking fresh local goodies, handcrafted happiness, droolworthy street food, accompanied by some of the city’s very best entertainers, I recommend tackling Aotearoa’s largest outdoor market with a group of mates, a date or the whole family—it’s truly a half-day ordeal at least, which is why I’ve only recommended the one Sunday market.

And if you can’t make it this weekend, it’s mellow. She runs year-round, which is something my brand-new and tellingly spotless Hokas are quietly envious about.

When: Sundays 9am-2pm (rain or shine)

Want more? Check out: 

• Auckland's Best Markets To Put On Regular Rotation
• Where To Find Wellington's Best Markets
• The New Zealand Food News You Need To Know

Main image credit: The Seekers Mākete | Facebook.