I’m not travelling at the moment for a very good reason. That’s because I became a granny two weeks ago and I might add, a very young one!

I was happily grounded leading up to the birth of Baby B, our first grandchild.  And now he is here, I just can’t get enough of him so I’ll be in Auckland for a little while before heading to the UK in July.

Today, I had planned to explore a few of Auckland’s farmers markets. There’s been a real resurgence of markets, some selling just food with others selling anything and everything you can imagine. They are as difference and diverse as each other including the Oratia Market in the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges that got a good write up in yesterday’s NZ Herald, Weekend Magazine.

Anyway, with the torrential rain this morning I only got as far as out neighbourhood market in Takapuna, next to the Berkeley Cinema.  It was desolate and bleak, with many vendors choosing not to come. I splashed around for a few minutes, then decided to head home myself.

However, I have done some research and these 5 markets keep getting written up as Auckland’s best.

So, if the weather is more conducive to a leisurely, meander next weekend I might see you at one or more of these great markets.

 La Cigale Farmers’ Market

This food market has been around for a long time and is very popular. I think it’s because it has a bit of everything and the quality is great. It’s also close to the central city which makes it easy to pick up food for lunch or dinner without making a day trip of it. As well as a lot of mouth-watering pre-prepared French and Mediterranean food they have an excellent fruit and veg stall. 69 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell. Saturdays 8am – 1.30pm; Sundays 9am – 1.30pm

Clevedon Farmers’ Market

This market is set in idyllic countryside with abundant produce from the area. I like it because of its relaxed atmosphere and it’s not as crowded as many of the city markets with plenty of room to sit, eat and enjoy the ambience and music. Clevedon Showgrounds, 107 Monument Rd, Clevedon. Sundays 8:30am – 12pm.

Matakana Farmers’ Market

Matakana is an hour out of Auckland. If you haven’t been to this market I’d highly recommend it. Don’t have breakfast beforehand as the coffee, whitebait fritters and Italian sausages will have you salivating. It’s popular so get there early. Matakana Valley Road, Matakana. Saturdays 8am – 1pm

 Oratia Farmers’ Market

Oratia Farmers’ Market is another great country market out west. Its’ relatively small with about 25 stalls and is more a shopping destinations, with great cheap produce rather than and eating one.  Parrs Cross Road, Oratia, Waitakere City. Saturdays 9am – 12pm

  Avondale Farmers’ Market

This is probably my favourite market in Auckland, because it’s so diverse and unpolished. It’s huge with a strong Pacifica and Asian vibe and you can literally buy anything. It’s also really cheap. I like nothing more than like a bowl of Vietnamese Poh for breakfast. It gets super busy so my recommendation is to get there between 8-9am. Avondale Racecourse, Ash St, Avondale.Sundays, 6am – 12pm