Thousands of visitors flock to join Hawke’s Bay locals at the traditional farmers markets held each weekend in Napier and her sister city Hastings on New Zealand's East Coast. A mouthwatering assortment of wines, oils, chocolates, meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, hand-crafted jams, sauces and relishes (and yes – much more!) are available for the tasting.
Growers and Producers Happily Discuss their Products with Shoppers
On Saturdays the urban market is set up behind the Daily Telegraph building in Tennyson Street in Napier, a city that is world-renowned for its Art Deco architecture. On Sundays market stalls are established in the Hawke’s Bay A & P Showgrounds in Kenilworth Road on the outskirts of Hastings, just a short drive from Napier’s inner city.
Unlike many urban retail centres, growers and producers at the Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market are happy to discuss their products with shoppers, answer questions and provide a delicious assortment of items to sample. Stallholders are passionate about their foods and wines and keen to pass on their special ideas for cooking and serving their products.
Don’t Eat Breakfast Before Visiting the Farmers Market
Breakfast truly isn’t necessary before visiting the farmers market. Fresh fruit and vegetables are available in abundance and samples of specialty products are tasteable on most stalls. Try a cracker or two loaded with a basil or garlic feta topped with a dollop of apple-rosemary jelly, a slice of spicy salami or a smear of venison paté. Dip a cube of fresh crusty bread into a smooth-as-silk olive oil, sample a bierstick, chorizo, or a slice of black pudding and follow this with a dessert of handcrafted chocolates, cupcakes or flaky-fresh Danish pastries.
Sourdough and gluten-free breads are baked in true artisan style to accompany organic poultry, meats and smallgoods free of preservatives. Fresh fish is often available, with paua, whitebait and mussel fritters being made while the customer waits, nose twitching and mouth watering in anticipation. Some of the delicacies that were tucked into this writer's shopping bag were boysenberry jam, passionfruit and lime splash, individually wrapped liquer chocolates, a jar of apple-rosemary jelly, feta for that night's pasta and a large bunch of silverbeet (Swiss chard).
The Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market is Easily Accessible
Saturday’s market in Napier’s urban area is easily accessible and there is plenty of free parking at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds in Hastings. There is no charge for entry to the markets but it pays to have some coins on hand for the buskers who are a regular feature. Eftpos is available and rest rooms are clean and convenient. Coach tours are welcome. With prior notice, someone will be on hand to provide a short, narrated introduction to the market.
The Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s premier food and wine regions and the Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market with its showcase of specialty and organic foods is a relaxing and delicious way to while away a weekend morning. Make sure to take a large shopping bag!
Lyn Rasmussen - Lyn is a New Zealander who lives in the centre of New Zealand's Volcanic Wonderland. She has been recognised for her writing across ...
