Wellington Markets Explored – Pick of the best, night or day

The wonderful Sunday waterfront market opposite the Museum Art Hotel

For a tourist or local you can’t beat the diverse selection of Wellington markets on offer. Although Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, most people will say that it has a village atmosphere. This is reflected in the many shopping opportunities that are available in the city from high-street shops to cute boutiques and an abundance of markets. Here are a few of my favourite Wellington markets:

The Harbourside Market

If you head to the waterfront near Te Papa on a Sunday morning, you’ll be amazed at the crowds. The Harbourside market is one of Wellington’s oldest markets and sells an array of different foods. Fruit and vegetable growers from the Hawkes Bay region line one side of the market offering locally produced fruits and vegetables whilst the other side of the market offers a farmer-style market. Talk to the stall holders about their fresh New Zealand bacon and eggs sandwiches (which are delicious by the way) or sample some locally produced salami. Homemade honey is widely available along with free-range eggs and let’s not forget the wonderful baking available too.

Wellington’s Underground Market

On a Saturday if you walk along Jervois Quay, you might wonder what all the people are doing heading to the underground car park but between the hours of 10am and 4pm, this is home to the aptly named Wellington Underground Market. Here local businesses and hobby-ists sell everything from handmade chocolates to knitted garments. It’s one of the best places I know for buying unusual gifts and my recent buys include a crocheted hat for a baby-shower, a sea glass necklace for a birthday gift and a pottery pukeko for my own garden. Plus the beauty of this market is that it’s great rain or shine as it’s all indoors!

Wellington’s Night Market

By far my favourite market in Wellington, and one of the newest, is the Night Market. This market can be found just off Cuba Street (look for signs for the Left Bank) and is a popular Friday night haunt. After 6pm, the Left Bank is lined with food venders selling a range of authentic cuisines – choose from plates of freshly made curry and rice for as little as $8 or grab a Bratwurst from a German-inspired vender. Locally reared venison sandwiches are on offer alongside African goat curry and Mexican dishes. Plus for those with a sweet-tooth, crepes and cakes can be found at the Night Market too. There is even live music to enjoy. I love meeting friends here and spending time selecting a different cuisine each week, we sat on some concrete steps whilst drinking a bottle of wine (it’s a BYO – type scenario).

So whether you’re looking for quirky gifts or an unconventional dining experience, Wellington’s markets have it all. Contact us for more information.