Whether you’re out for a veggie deal, are craving some homemade treats, or just want to support local grassroots creatives, Wellington’s market scene has got you. From the bustling veggie crate stalls at the waterfront to the suburbia preserves (and more) club, we’ve got the lowdown on the hottest markets to check out when you’re next out and about in the capital.
Here are the best markets in Wellington.
Harbourside Markets
Corner of Cable Street and Barnett Street (next to Te Papa)
This is the O.G. market, where fishermen would sell their freshly caught wares straight off the boat back in the day. Nowadays, this is more of the go-to Wellington staple for fresh fruit and veggies (with most of the farmers travelling from Horowhenua and Ōtaki to sell their produce). Driving in at the crack of dawn to unload their yellow and red crates of veggies, the secret is to come as early as 7.30am to get the first pick of the crop. Gourmet oyster mushrooms, fresh tofu and microherbs are also some of the extra foodie treats available. Celebrate your haul and hang around for live entertainment with a delicious bite to eat (we’re looking at you, orange dim sum truck). Don’t forget your morning coffee or chai (and real fruit ice cream in the summer while watching the kids do manus off the wharf).
When: Sundays 7.30am-1pm (in the winter, or until 2pm in the summer)
Newtown Fruit and Vegetable Market
Newtown School, Mein Street
If you’d rather sleep in on Sundays, then this local fruit and vegetable market at Newtown School is perfect for the Saturday produce (and sweet treat) haul. Veggies from Levin are a given, with local free range eggs for sale too. There’s a range of baked goods too—think French crepes and waffle trees, loaves from local bakers, Singapore-style pies, and massive pork bao. These vary slightly each week, so have your coffee and wait for the Saturday morning update from the organisers (on their social media) before you roll out of bed to this market.
When: Saturdays 7.30am-3pm
Thorndon Farmers Market
Hill Street Carpark, St Paul’s Cathedral, Thorndon
Rain or shine, this artisan market is set up in the carpark at the beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral, over at the other end of Wellington. There’s organic and spray-free veg, specialty cheese, apple cider vinegar (bring your own bottle), arguably one of the best cheese scones we’ve had, plus jars of preserved olives, spiced figs, olive oils and extracts.
When: Saturdays 8.30am-12.30pm
Riverbank Markets
Riverbank Carpark, Daley Street, Lower Hutt
Image credit: Riverbank Market Lower Hutt | Instagram
Fresh fruit and veg a plenty, this spot out in Lower Hutt has been the big weekly market for locals here (they’ve been running for over 20 years!). Early birds swoop in as early as the 6am opening time, but the markets don’t get busy until 8am. There’s plenty of food trucks—from dumplings and curry puffs, to banana fritters and roti wraps—perfect walk-and-fork food while you scout for the best Sunday roast veggies. Don’t forget a delicious lemon masala soda or milk tea while you’re there.
When: Saturdays 6am-2pm
Karori Farmers Market
Campbell Corner, 235 Karori Road, Karori
This exciting corner in Karori has been popping off every Saturday, selling *the* sought after biltong, a variety of smoked cheeses and a range of spice mixes (we hear there’s a coffee and cocoa smoked cheese and Pinot Noir salt coming). For those after something sweet, there’s a range of sweet scones, cupcakes, sourdough, and donuts (including a Black Forest filled number) from local bakers and bakeries. Along with fresh fruit and veg, fresh seasonal blooms are sold by the stem. A hub celebrating individual makers and local businesses alike, they highlight their producers with regular updates on their socials. They even have Food Truck Fridays (4-8pm) in the same spot. Stay for the weekend, we say.
When: Saturdays 9am-1pm (Food Truck Fridays 4pm-8pm)
Brooklyn Community Markets
Brooklyn Community Centre, 18 Harrison Street
Held every quarter at the Brooklyn Community Centre, the Brooklyn Community Markets are a fun family-friendly day out where locals can support stallholders young and old, selling handmade jewellery, crafts, chutneys, soaps, fresh produce, pickles and preserves. Local knife sharpening services are a hit, with locals bringing in kitchen tools and garden tools while they shop. Their kitchen sells homemade pies, toasted sammies (top tip: add a cup of hot soup) and sweets—there’s even a sausage sizzle on the deck.
When: Saturday 14th December, 12pm-4pm
Brewtown Farmers Market
Brewtown, 23 Blenheim Street, Maidstone, Upper Hutt
Image credit: Brewtown Farmers Market | Instagram
On the other side of “the Hutt” is Brewtown, a walk away from the train station is Brewtown, which features a collection of breweries, distillery, eateries and entertainment (complete with an indoor go karting, trampoline park, and knife making to name a few). Head over there on Sundays and you’ll find the Farmers Market rain or shine, with artisan producers selling local honey, eggs, freshly squeezed OJ, sweets and baking, oyster mushrooms chips, and beautiful blooms.
When: Sundays 8am-2pm
Artisan Craft Market
Various locations
Started in 2020 as a response to support local creatives during the pandemic, Mel from Artisan Craft Market wanted to create a community to celebrate creatives in the lower North Island. Their monthly markets are a family-friendly event which showcase art, crafts, books, jewellery and textiles, as well as plants and sculptures.
When: Monthly
Knack Craft Market
Berhampore School, 105 Britomart Street, Wellington
We love a fun market day and the Berhampore School Knack Craft Markets are no exception. As one of their major fundraising events, these come around once a term and have unique, artsy and colourful crafts like cool upcycled furniture, baking and coffee aplenty, locally made ceramics and even students selling their own homemade jewellery. Run by volunteer parents to make crafts cool, keep an eye on their socials for the next pop-up.
When: Every term
Honourable mention: Wairarapa Farmers’ Market
Solway Showgrounds, Judds Road, Masterton
Image credit: Wairarapa Farmers Market | Instagram
At the historical Solway Showgrounds every weekend is the Wairarapa Farmers’ Market. Showcasing local produce, crafts and gifts from over the hill, we think this market deserves a special mention. Away from the city and into the countryside, the markets here have wild gourmet pies (creamy paua, braised venison and goat with plum to name a special few), famous cronuts from their award winning local bakery, and local olive oil (Wairarapa is olive oil country). There’s even live music and giant jenga to keep the whole family entertained.
When: Saturdays 9am-1pm
While you're in Pōneke, check out:
- Best Walks In Wellington With Stunning Views
- Where To Get The Best Breakfast In Pōneke
- Get Your Coffee Fix In The Capital
Main Image credit: Harbourside Market | Vicki Young