Whangārei is home to thriving local markets, connecting residents directly with a wide range of growers, producers, brewers, makers and crafters from across the district. Here are a few of the spots you might like to visit for fresh and tasty local kai.

1 | Whangārei Growers Market

Running every Saturday from 6.30am to 10am, the Growers Market is the place to shop for fresh local fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, honey and preserves. All the produce is grown locally so you know it’s fresh! Park at the Library and you’ll see the market across the road on Water Street. There’s a pop-up coffee stall too, or you might want to meet friends in town for brunch.

2 | Tikipunga Market

After your Sunday morning sleep-in, head to Tikipunga High School from 8am to 11am and shop for local fruit and vegetables, fresh locally caught seafood, arts and crafts, plants, car boot bargains and more. There are also food and coffee stands so you can grab brekkie while you shop. Check it out on Facebook.

3 | Tutukaka Twilight Market

The Tutukaka Twilight Market is an amazing place for a fun evening out, with delicious food stands, drinks and artisan goods. Held at Tutukaka Marina on one Saturday each month from 4.30pm to 8pm, there’s a fantastic atmosphere with music, dancing and plenty of good vibes – we suggest you take a picnic, buy dinner and make a night of it.

4 | Onerahi Hall Market

This indoor and outdoor market runs from 9am to 12pm every Saturday during summer and on the first and third Saturday of the month the rest of the year. Head over to the Onerahi Community Hall car park and browse through the stalls selling preserves, confectionery, olive oil and fresh produce as well as arts and crafts and second-hand books.

5 | Summer Food and Arts & Crafts Markets

Whangārei’s Town Basin is home to awesome summer markets, held on the Canopy Bridge. The Artisans Market has a wonderful array of premium
arts, crafts, music and food from across Northland. The Canopy Night Market features incredible street food vendors with a great selection of multicultural dishes. Find market days and times here.

6 | McLeod’s Brewery

Award-winning brewery McLeod’s offers a year-round collection as well as seasonal releases available in most supermarkets. To visit the source, drive out to the brewery in Waipu where you can check out the full range and grab lunch or dinner from the Waipu Pizza Barn while you’re there!

7 | Papaka Road Distillery

Tutukaka-based boutique gin distillery Papaka Road uses the zest of freshly-picked citrus from the local area for its signature taste. Seasonal lime, tangelo, orange and lemon are used to give Papaka Gin its unique flavour. Plenty of local liquor stores stock this home-grown gin, or you can try it at Lonestar, Split or The Jovial Judge in town.