KEY POINTS:
Britomart Farmers' Market
Where: Corner of Gore and Galway Sts.
Saturdays 8.30am-12.30pm
The Britomart Farmers Market, in a downtown carpark, sandwiched between office blocks and the railway station, is where the country meets the city. There's Ron the Salmon Man who does a mean whitebait fritter; John the Lettuce Man who also sells free-range eggs and honey; Ralph the Grocer who specialises in smoked meats and pates; and Jenny the Herb Lady who does buckets of mesclun and herbs for potting outdoors. There's plenty of other goodies too, from fresh breads and pastries to oils and chilli sauces. Don't forget to bring a bag.
Website: www.cityfarmers market.co.nz
Auckland Fish Market
Where: Jellicoe St, Auckland.
Offers the freshest and largest range of fish the city has to offer. Yes, it's tucked away but it's still a walkable stroll from Queen St and worth the slight detour. For fish on ice, wet and wild style, go to Fishmart (which is expanding into the shop next door with plans to launch a range of ready-to-cook fish dishes created by top chefs, with wines to match).
There's tanks of shellfish and some of the colourful fish find their way into the on-site smokehouse.
But there is more than fish at this gourmet supermarket. Under the same roof there's Fred Samuels specialising in hard-to-find European cold cuts, from Spanish chorizo to smoked Croatian pork.
Produce Central showcases the best seasonal fruit and veg and the Neat Meat Company chillers are crammed with organic, free-range and rare-breed meats, and an impressive range of fresh stocks. If you're struggling to make off with all your purchases, jump on the free shuttle bus back to Queen St. This weekend Auckland Fish Market hosts the annual Seafood Festival.
Website: www.afm.co.nz, www.fishmart.co.nz or www.seafoodfestival.co.nz
Japan Mart
Where: 75 Anzac Ave
The radio blares, the lino floor is scattered with half-unpacked boxes and the florescent strips above are reminiscent of old-style supermarkets, but this is a goldmine of hard-to-find Japanese treats. There's delicious sake (Japan's famous rice wine) by the bottle or carton _ and seasonings galore, from soys to mirin.
Packets of pickled radish and ginger line the shelves, fresh tofu is stacked in the fridges at the back and chest-freezers brim with smoked fish and seafood.
For quick culinary fixes, there's an array of dried-noodle pots, wasabi peas and the confectionery in garish, kitsch packaging should satisfy the sweetest tooth. If you fancy yourself as a sushi whizz, stock up here on nori (dried seaweed sheets), wasabi and sliced ginger, then head to the fish market for the catch of the day.
C'est Fromage
Where: 35 High Street
This is all about French cheese and lots of it, from well-known favourites such as brie and camembert to Roquefort.
But there's much more besides: French hams and terrines, breads and pastries, mustards and vinegars, jams and biscuits line shelves and chillers in this shop. It is owned by the people behind Newmarket's Maison Vauron, and hidden at the back of a small arcade on High St.
French staff will make up hampers and gift boxes to order and there's a couple of tables where you can pause to enjoy a cafe au lait and a croissant while flicking through French-inspired recipes and books.
- Detours, HoS
