Matakana Farmers’ Market Auckland
A vibrant Saturday market north of Auckland, offering fresh local produce, artisanal foods, and live music in a charming village setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest produce & best atmosphere
Matakana Farmers’ Market Auckland
Best Time
Freshest produce & best atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Saturday market north of Auckland, offering fresh local produce, artisanal foods, and live music in a charming village setting.
"This market made me feel instantly welcome, with something magical about sharing food with locals and visitors alike."
🎯 Bring Cash for Vendors
While some vendors accept cards, many prefer cash. Come prepared to make purchases easily.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! There's a dog-sitting station available so your pets can relax while you shop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artisanal Food Stalls
Throughout the market
Indulge in fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, pastries, oysters, and more. Taste the passion in every bite!
Local Produce
Various vendor stalls
Discover organic fruits, vegetables, and unique artisanal products directly from local growers.
Live Music
Central market area
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with live music performances that add to the market's charm.
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for the Best Finds
Embrace the Day Trip Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Cash for Vendors
While some vendors accept cards, many prefer cash. Come prepared to make purchases easily.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! There's a dog-sitting station available so your pets can relax while you shop.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be challenging. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from alternative spots.
😋 Arrive Hungry!
Generous portions and delicious food options abound. You'll want to sample a bit of everything!
Best farmer’s market/food market in Auckland?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Cash for Vendors
While some vendors accept cards, many prefer cash. Come prepared to make purchases easily.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! There's a dog-sitting station available so your pets can relax while you shop.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be challenging. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from alternative spots.
😋 Arrive Hungry!
Generous portions and delicious food options abound. You'll want to sample a bit of everything!
🚶♀️ Stroll and Savor
Don't rush your visit. Take your time to explore, chat with vendors, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Matakana Village Farmers' Market for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious artisanal food, and fresh local produce. The live music adds to the charm, making it a delightful Saturday morning experience. While parking can be challenging and it gets crowded, the quality of food and the overall community feel make it a highly recommended destination. +1
"I recently discovered the Matakana Village Market and immediately fell in love with its charming atmosphere! The star of my visit was definitely the food - the Margherita pizza had that perfect wood-fired crispness with the most deliciously simple toppings. But the real showstopper was the Italian fettuccine I tried on a whim. The pasta was clearly fresh-made, with a rich, creamy sauce that had me scraping the plate clean!
What makes this market special:
🍕 The Italian stall does everything right - you can taste the passion in their food
🌿 So many fresh ingredients from local growers
🎶 Lovely live music that adds to the relaxed vibe
☕ Great coffee options to pair with your meal
Tips for fellow visitors:
Arrive hungry - portions are generous
Bring cash for some vendors
Don't rush - take time to enjoy the atmosphere
Chat with the vendors - they're so friendly!
While I'm not from the area originally, this market made me feel instantly welcome. There's something magical about sitting at those communal tables, sharing food with both locals and visitors alike. I love how you can taste the care that goes into every dish here.
Though I can't visit next weekend, I'm already planning my return trip to try more of the amazing food (those pastries at the French stall are calling my name!). If you're anywhere near Matakana on a Saturday, this market is absolutely worth the trip."
Joanne Lim
"It’s such a vibrant and vast market with good produce, food and products! A bit of everything for everyone, I spent a good long while walking around!
I would go every week if I lived here 🤭🥰"
Helena Ying Cecilie Wang
"It's my first time visiting any kinds of morning market in NZ. And I quickly fell in love with the atomosphere of this market. I could enjoy many foods, band music, and lovely people. My aunt was slightly disappointed because she was expected to buy some grocery such as avocados, green vegies. But for me, this place was so nice!"
Erin Kim (김 태연)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Matakana Farmers' Market is located in Matakana Village, about an hour's drive north of Auckland CBD. Renting a car is the most convenient option. Public transport is limited, but you can take a bus to Warkworth and then a local bus or taxi to Matakana.
Yes, parking is available, but it can get very busy, especially on Saturday mornings. It's recommended to arrive early, ideally before 10 am, to secure a spot. Some visitors suggest parking a bit further away and walking if the main lots are full.
No, the Matakana Village Farmers' Market is exclusively a Saturday market. It operates every Saturday from morning until early afternoon.
The market typically runs from around 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. It's best to check their official social media or website for the most up-to-date hours, especially around public holidays.
Many visitors find the drive worthwhile for the quality produce, delicious food, and vibrant atmosphere. It's often recommended as a great day trip destination outside of Auckland.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Matakana Farmers' Market is free. You only pay for the food, produce, and goods you purchase from the vendors.
Tickets are not required for entry to the Matakana Farmers' Market, as it is a public market. Simply show up on Saturday morning.
The market often features live music, adding to the lively ambiance. It's a great place to enjoy a relaxed morning with entertainment.
While dogs are not allowed inside the main market area, there is a dedicated dog-sitting station available for your pets.
To avoid the biggest crowds and ensure the best selection of produce, aim to arrive as early as possible, ideally before 10 am.
🎫 🛍️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a wide array of delicious food, including fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, crepes, pastries, oysters, bacon butties, and more. Many vendors offer artisanal and locally sourced options.
Yes, with the variety of fresh produce and prepared foods, you can typically find vegetarian and vegan options. Many stalls focus on fresh ingredients.
Expect a wide selection of seasonal fruits, organic vegetables, herbs, and other farm-fresh produce directly from local growers.
Yes, there are usually coffee vendors offering hot drinks like flat whites and cappuccinos, perfect for enjoying while you browse.
Beyond food, you can find artisanal goods, handmade crafts, ceramics, and unique gift ideas from local makers.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture vibrant shots of colorful produce stalls, delicious food being prepared, live musicians, and the general bustling atmosphere. The interactions between vendors and visitors also make for great candid photos.
The food stalls, especially those with visually appealing dishes like pizzas or pasta, are great subjects. The live music area and the general market layout offer good backdrops.
Morning light is generally soft and pleasant for photography. Arriving early also means fewer crowds, making it easier to frame your shots.
It's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their specific products, especially if they are busy. Most are happy to oblige.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions on personal photography for visitors. However, commercial photography might require prior arrangement.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are plenty of delicious treats like crepes and sweet pastries that are sure to be a hit. Plus, the market's location in Matakana Village means you can easily combine your visit with other family-friendly activities in the area. For parents, the market offers a chance to expose children to fresh, healthy food options and the concept of local sourcing. While dogs aren't allowed in the market itself, there's a dog-sitting station, which can be helpful if you're visiting with a pet.
🐶 Pet Owners
This thoughtful amenity makes the market more accessible for those who don't want to leave their pets at home. It's a testament to the market's welcoming atmosphere for all members of the family, including the four-legged ones.
foodie Travelers
Don't miss the opportunity to sample unique items like feijoa wine or alcoholic kombucha.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Matakana Food Scene
Beyond the prepared meals, the market is a treasure trove of locally sourced produce. You can find a wide variety of seasonal fruits, organic vegetables, and other farm-fresh goods directly from the growers.
For those looking for a more relaxed dining experience, the market offers communal seating where you can enjoy your purchases. The presence of great coffee options and live music further enhances the overall atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to spend a Saturday morning.
Remember to bring cash, as some vendors may not accept cards, and arrive hungry to fully experience the gastronomic delights on offer. Beyond the Market: A Matakana Day Trip
For those interested in art and culture, the Sculptureum is a popular attraction, offering a unique combination of art installations set within beautiful gardens, often with a good restaurant on-site.
When planning your trip, consider the market's Saturday-only schedule and factor in travel time from Auckland. Arriving early for the market allows you to make the most of your day, whether you choose to linger in the village or explore the wider Matakana countryside.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit