Farmers and Craft Markets

So with Christmas on the way (eep!) it's time to start doing the rounds of the markets. There really seems to have been an explosion of these in the last few years so I'n not sure which ones will be worth going to. SO I thought it might be a good idea if we can share which markets we've been to and what we thought of them.

Personally, I live quite close to the Kaukapakapa, Waitoki and Helensville farmers markets.

Kaukapakapa: there's some lovely fresh produce and gorgeous looking baked goods, but I have never bought anything cos it's all way too pricey ($12 for a loaf of bread, anyone?!). The best stall is Plush Toys but there's nothing there you couldn't get online.

Helensville: is good for jams and preserves and that's about it.

Waitoki: always has a decent array of second hand books if you're interested in trawling through, and is more reasonable for produce, plants and seedlings.

We used to live near the Manurewa market and that was fantastic for cheap fruit and veges but everything else was basically knock offs of brand name t shirts, bags & basketball caps. Don't know if it's changed in the last year.

I haven't been to Coatesville since last Christmas but when I went it was brilliant, lots of hand made things, heaps of gift ideas. (Plus I have to say the cafe over the road is fabulous and really child friendly, it's worth an outing.)

Does anybody have any experience of other markets? I'd really like to hear about the Birkenhead Artisan Market or Titirangi - or Takapuna, haven't been there in more than a decade

I've heard good things about the Clevedon Farmers Market from a foodie perspective, has anyone been to that one? It's close to my ILs

Weegee when is the Helenville one? That's my neighbourhood and I didn't even know there was a market- is it just for Xmas?

How did I miss that? Obviously I don't get out enough

Julia most markets in Auckland don't finish until 12pm

Is the cafe over the road the one that's a converted house and has heaps of picnic tables outside?

I think the Coatesville cafe they're talking about is possibly Fernielea's. We've been there a few times with our coffee group and has a decent outside play area for kids.

Oooo definately! Where is coatesville?

lilfatty wrote: Where is coatesville?

So how long have you lived in Auckland Further northwest from you, kindof near Albany village if you go the back route. Weegee will respond more accurately and possibly with a streetview map of it

Bugger, just realised DH is going to the viaduct now - I could have gone to the Britomart market

I go to the Clevedon Farmers Market (Clevedon Showgrounds) and the Clevedon Craft Market (at Clevedon town hall) EVERY Sunday ...the farmers market is awesome, lots of flowers, fresh produce and foods you wouldn't otherwise get at your normal shops etc. Place is always packed. Goes from 9-12.

The Craft market is my little haven, LJ absolutely loves going to it weekly, it's our little thing ...i buy most (if not all) of our gifts for people from there. Such a lovely friendly atmosphere. Craft Market runs from 9-2pm

St Heliers Craft market is on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month until about 4pm at the War memorial hall behind the library building.

That's today BTW

I loved the matakana market, but I was probably in the category of the Aucklanders that head up there for the weekend nice food, but nothing much in the way of gifts. They do some some nice little shops there, but pretty expensive.

Clevedon is also great. I love the plants and all the yummy food they have.

I havent been to Takapuna or Parnell French markets but have heard they are pretty good.

Otara/Manurewa are great for fruit and veges aswell.