Five of the best: Farmers' markets

Shoppers check out the wares at a farmer's market at the Hawke's Bay showgrounds in Hastings. Photo / Paul Taylor

We love fossicking around markets, chatting to farmers about their fresh produce and asking stall holders to talk us through their pickles, condiments and crafts. It could be for a bangin’ bacon and egg bap, your weekly fruit and vege shop or just to sample some new cheese or hot sauce. Here is our pick of five of the best markets to check out this summer.

Clevedon

It's only a 40-minute drive from Auckland, but the Clevedon market feels like a breath of fresh air. Head out on a Sunday morning and get yourself in the queue for the bacon and egg bap. While you wait, pick up a coffee then, when you have the perfect combo, find a hay bale to perch on and fill your belly. There's fruit, vege, cheese, meats and all sorts of homemade goodies. Even if you just go for a browse there's a family-friendly vibe to soak up. These guys will be back on January 11 from 8.30am until noon.

• Clevedon Showgrounds, Monument Rd (Gate 6, The Munro Entrance).

Matakana

Photo / Supplied

Local artisans, farmers and growers gather at the Matakana Farmers' Markets from 8am to 1pm every Saturday. There's foot-tapping live music, organic specialties and a feast of delicious homemade fare. Snack your way around the markets and get the best bits for an afternoon grazing plate - pickles, cheeses, baked goods and smoked meats. If crafts are more your cup of tea, check out the Matakana Indie Craft Market operating every Sunday over summer from 9.30am-2.30pm. These guys focus on quality, ethically made creations.

• Matakana Square, 2 Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana

Feilding

Photo / Supplied

This Friday market (9am-2pm) has bagged top prize in the NZ Farmers' Market Awards for
three years in a row. Judges and chefs Julie Biuso and Hester Guy and Farmers' Markets NZ chairperson Chris Fortune taste-tested products entered into various food categories. Two products earned best in their category. Almadale Produce won "Dirt on the Roots" for its potatoes. Lancaster Citrus won best food producer from the "Kitchen Bench" category for marmalade made from its orchard produce.

• Manchester Square, Feilding.

Tauranga

Photo / NZME.

If cheese is your thing, these are the markets for you. Locally made Mt Eliza Cheese was awarded the "Creamiest Food Producer from the Dairy" in the annual Farmers' Markets Awards this year. The market has been operating for more than a decade and boasts a lively atmosphere with seasonal produce. Previous award-winners include Bay Quality Fish Smokers, Mamaku Blue Blueberry Experience and The Chilli Company. Get along to the Saturday market between 7.45am and noon.

• Tauranga Primary School, between Arundel St, Cameron Rd and 5th Avenue.

Night Markets

Photo / Dean Purcell

Eight different night markets crank up on different nights at various locations in Auckland and Hamilton. Make sure you enter one of these bustling affairs with an empty belly and have your hands free. Follow your nose to find the streetfood that takes your fancy. Beyond the sizzling woks and array of snacks are hundreds of stalls featuring everything from eyelash extensions to ear candling and eyebrow threading. We strongly suggest soaking up this cultural experience.

• Visit aucklandnightmarket.co.nz for all the times and locations around the region.