Getting up early is a hard task when travelling. Sure you’re excited to see new things but travelling can be hard on the body and after our long hike Mr NQN and I were tired and needed a little sleep in. So whilst we were supposed to leave the hotel at 8am and get to Matakana at 10am, we allowed ourselves a little sleep in and leave at 9am instead. We take the well signposted drive to Matakana and arrive to find the small town absolutely buzzing.
Organic garlic
Organic nashis and free range and organic eggs
Mmm figgies!
Cars are trying to park any which way they can. There are people walking past with fresh creates of eggs, bunches of vivid red roses and all sorts of edible goodies. We find a park and take a look. It’s a small farmer’s markets but a well patronised one. We start off in one section where there are eat and go containers of mussels sold with forks that are already shelled. They come in garlic, chilli and other flavours.
Eat and go mussels
Grape bread!
Buffalo milk cheese and yogurt
We stop by a Buffalo milk stall where they sell yogurt, freshia which is a soft non melting cheese and a young and a slightly more mature brie. Buffalo milk is low in fat and slightly tangy so that it tastes like a low fat yogurt. They sell $2 cups with honey which we try for Mr NQN as he has missed breakfast.
Lots of free range eggs
The friendly knife sharpening man
North and South Island Whitebait fritters
There are also North and South Island whitebait fritters-the North Island ones are slightly less expensive at $6 whereas the south Island whitebait is $8 per fritter but we take a pass on these as it’s still breakfast/brunch time.
A delicious carrot and cardamom jam
We get some more breakfast goodies in the form of fresh organic figs for 50c each. There is a stand with carrot and cardamom jam as well as a delicious beetroot relish.
Organic crepe with cheese $4
He wanted some crepe…
Peckish as we had missed breakfast, we stop for an organic crepe with cheese (there are also chocolate and lemon crepes available). For $4 it’s not bad although could use a bit of pesto or spice and is served on a leaf.
Entertainment during lunch
Ceylonese roll $6.50
We then stop at a stall where we buy a Ceylonese roll. She heats it up in an electric cooker and it is similar to a crepe on the outside with a finely ground mince inside with a light curry flavour. The little story next to it shows that it’s based on a based on a recipe “borrowed” from an ex boyfriend. Well at least something came out of it!
Mussels wrapped in bacon with horopito pepper $6
Our next stop is the popular mussels wrapped in bacon served with horopito pepper. Although the cup is only 1/3 full it’s very good and good value as wrapping each mussel individually with a piece of bacon would be time consuming. We also try an organic homemade lemonade which is a refreshing, still lemonade.
The recycling options-including one for “Can’t be bothered”!
Organic Lemonade $2.50
We walk around for a bit more and try some samples of Sangiovese grapes, grape juice and a savoury grape sauce. There is also feijoa wine which is quite nice and sweet.
Feijoa wine
Sangiovese grapes
Raw smoothies
Raw smoothie $5
Our last purchases for the day are a drink from the raw stand made with boysenberry, coconut cream, banana and honey which is a curious mix and unlike a typical smoothie. We also can’t resist the buttery smell of the pies a the “The lovely little food co.” stand. I’m torn between trying a manuka smoked bacon and egg with tomato relish pie and an Angus beef steak and caramelised red onion pie so I choose the latter.
Angus beef steak and caramelised red onion pie
The pie is piping hot and quite good with chunky pieces of beef, a lot of sweet red onion and a nice flaky pastry (the sign proclaiming it their famous sour cream pastry). Having made a cream cheese pastry for quiches I definitely see how nice and buttery a pastry it makes.
Oooh shopping!
Leaving the markets well fed and shaking off pastry crumbs we stroll around the shops. there is a gorgeous stationary shop called “Red Letter Day” where I buy some gifts and some goodies for myself.
As well as a set of this fashion stationary for Queen Viv which she just loved.
After all of that sightseeing..ahem hard work, well a gal needs some added refreshment and a cup of tea so we then take the wooden walkway up to the Brookview Tea House which winds alongside a duck filled river.
White Juliet tea $4
We take a seat and order a High tea for one with a pot of white tea Juliet which is a wonderfully fragrant tea with a sweet aroma of flowers and fruit. The high tea arrives and it looks very good.
Thermos of coffee $4
There are two double decker sandwiches with tuna on one side and cheese and pickles on the other-a great combination which has Mr NQN happy (he usually avoids cooked tuna), a curried egg sandwich with ham and tomato on the other side and a single sandwich with cucumber and cream cheese. Some of the sandwiches are a touch dry on the outside though but not terribly so. There is also a delicious, warm sausage roll made from free range pork and a spinach and cheese muffin with a slice of brie inside.
Afternoon tea for one $22.50
Moving onto the sweets, we try the pink lamington which is wonderfully soft and fresh. I usually find lamingtons on the side of dry but this isn’t at all with the fluffy cream and berry jam. There is also a small pavlova filled with cream and passionfruit as well as lemon curd filled tart with a very crunchy buttery crust. There are two squares of milk chocolate fudge which is nice but very sweet, particularly at the end of the meal.
Can you believe we were scheduled to have dinner later that day too? We take the scenic drive back to Auckland city where we spot this little sign next to the road…
Don’t google the sign says!
So tell me Dear Reader, have you ever been to a farmer’s market and if so which is your favourite?
NQN and Mr NQN travelled and explored New Zealand as a guest of Tourism New Zealand.
Matakana Market
30 Matakana Valley Road
Matakana 0985, New Zealand
Tel: +64 (09) 422 7577
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50 Comments | Add your own
mmm that smoothie looks good right now
oh my – that pic of that puppy is too adorable!
I love markets – this one looks brilliant and I love that it was the birth of slow food NZ.
Love me a farmer’s market as you know
I’m always on the hunt for a new one so I’m going to say I haven’t found my favourite yet! 
Great post!
The word “don’t” just makes you want to do it even more…although it’s not hard to guess what would come up in the Google search!
I’m yet to find a farmer’s market in and around Brisbane that is truly satisfying when it comes to produce variety and value.
Such wonderful food! I love NZ. I’ll take the big pink smoothie and the pie, and I’ll share it with the cute dog, LOL. Kiwis do have a sense of humour – who else would call a vineyard Big Cock? I have been to Brissie Powerhpouse Farmers Markets, but no others, so I can’t actually say if it is my favourite as I have no comparison. However, they are pretty good – just go early!
Great article Lorraine…we have lots of farmer’s markets here in Annapolis, Maryland USA that I frequent. I still can’t believe how expensive Australia is…Did that sign really say $8 per dozen for organic eggs? They are anywhere between $3-$4 per dozen here…
Definitely going to check this out when we’re back in NZ this summer. Do you know if the markets are on every weekend?
I would think that is very good advice not to google the wine company’s name.
Especially if using a work computer!
Those markets are on my visiting list for my next trip to NZ
Caterina – I have always believed that primary producers should be adequately recompensed for their produce. I’m probably in the minority at being horrified at how cheap some produce is in the supermarkets!
These are some incredibly delicious looking eats, Lorraine! I love the cute little heart on that meat pie. I have to say I am head-over-heels in love with that adorable red and white tea set!
There is a wonderful farmers market back home which I love during the summer. How cute was that boxer? I want a puppy!
What a wonderful market! That dog is so cute!
I would love some of that smoothie
You have no idea how hungry this post has made me!
I love the spotty tea cup!
Hi Lorraine, I am off to NZ to Wellington next Friday.
the passion of my life are Prenzel products delicious flavour infused Rice Bran Oils, yummy mustards and unbelievable Schnapps and liqueurs. If you have the opportunity call in at Chgristchurch and go to a Prenzel Tasting Room you will have yet another memorable food experience.
Travel further to Blenheim and go to the distillery or The Mud Hut nestled in The Vines.
Like me you will never be the same again.
Annie
Love this spot in NZ, went there this year with my family and ate so much!…..great atmosphere, love all the growers…so great to chat to… Its places like this that make me homesick for NZ!.
Nicci- Sydney
@steph, I’d agree with Cakelaw, the Powerhouse Markets are great! [and my uncle sells the best pineapples there!
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We have Farmer’s Markets at the Gold Coast Turf Club on a Sunday that are pretty good too, but not on the scale of the Powerhouse. Wherever we travel, Markets are a must do too! Loved the post!
That was the first time I’ve Googled “big cock” so I’m horrified in the results! My favourite market is Eveleigh Mkt in Sydney. I would’ve gone mad with the food at these markets though. Eat ‘n go mussels, whitebait fritters, mussels wrapped in bacon. Hello I want some!
How fun! Market looks amazing – I love the “Truly Organic Free Range Eggs from Happy Chickens” and “Figs picked this morning”..they certainly have the marketing angle down pat..
I would have bought out the entire grape bread stand. It is one of my most loved breads, ever since I first tried it at Terra Breads in Vancouver. Ahh, I can still remember every bite.
My favourite market here in Brisbane is The Village Market at Kelvin Grove, it’s not big, but it has a great selection of fresh produce, Bannetons Wood Fired Bakery, Coffee stall, and more. Gympie also has a great market as does Mt Tambourine.
Oh, I love the idea of an afternoon tea for one! How gorgeous!
Oooh, I often went to Matakana Market while in NZ. It was small but always busy and delicious. If you take a little walk along the river you come to a waterfall too. And yep, I stopped the car and photographed the Big Cock Winery sign too. It was all in my old blog http://www.aussiesinauckland.blogspot.com
Great minds think alike …
buffalo milk cheese!! *drools~
i love buffalo milk cheese =)
ohnn..and those red polka dot cups are just lovely ^^
I occasionally visit the Camden Produce Markets in South West Sydney they are my local – The best Silverbeet I’ve ever eaten came in an enormous bunch from there! They have wonderful lamb and honey too.
Especially Farmers Markets, are the only thing that I willingly get out of bed really early for, I love ‘em, something about being near all that fresh produce & being able to talk to the stall owners about their products, they’re so enthusiastic & positive – love it so much. I’d love to go to these markets..
Loved visiting with you.whole selection of photos and caption made me feel as if I were really there in a way. Oh, love the coffee flasks.i’ve been to the farmers market in the town of Mildford in surrey uk. It’s just down the road from me.maybe I should photograph it next time.
The Canberra farmers markets at Epic are pretty darn good. Lots of organic meat and veggies, local olive oil, cakes, hot food, Oh, it has it all. Even gfree bread for me and goat cheese! You just have to get up early as it shuts about 11am.
I want to go to this one…next time…have family over there, so great excuse to go visit; (the markets that is!)
May I just say that all those food pics have given me a raging appetite and that I’m utterly smitten with that shapely coffee thermos.
How fun! I’ve never been to a farmer’s market before… I’d like to one day.
That pie you had looked yum!!! I’m hungry now… and the smoothie looked delish as well.
I adore Farmer’s Markets and I’ll be up very early tomorrow morning to the Sydney Pyrmont Markets , dragging my husband behind me lol.He doesn’t get as excited as I do.
Those organic free range eggs look enormous, me want.
Another lovely blog Lorraine, I want to be your twin in my next life
Now THAT is a farmers’ market! Loved the bag the pie came in.
Looks like an absolutely fantastic farmers market! Such markets have such a wonderful feel-good vibe to them
The Powerhouse Markets in Brisbane, the Saturday farmers’ market in Mantova and the heavenly Bologna food markets are my favourites.
that shot of the beef and onion pie is the winner of the day for me–brilliant. the pooch is pretty cute, though.
I love food markets and always make it a point to visit them when I’m on holiday. I think my favourites (so far) are Borough Market in London and Mercat Boqueria in Barcelona. Great produce and fabulous food!
I love farmer’s markets! I wish we had some as marvelous as that one, Lorraine!
I was drooling at the food and loving the shopping.
I’d love a taste of the red onion pie and the organic crepe. (if that dog didn’t grab it out of my hand!)
I want that spotty teacup!
The fresh food looks nice too
Gosh another day filled with delicious food. Everything looked pretty yummy, especially the cheese crepe and that lovely looking high tea platter. I used to go to the New Farm markets at the Powerhouse.
is the dog sad or furious I am not sure !!pierre
I love your NZ posts – I’m an Aucklander and love seeing old favourites and new places through different eyes!
Wow, this market is amazing, sooo many wonderful things! I would love to try that crepe!
I love homemade lemonade, the raw smoothie looks yum too
Thanks for coming to our market, really appreciate that you caught the essence of what the market is all about.
I am thinking of heading down to New Zealand at the end of this year and these places look amazing! I’ll definitely try and visit them. Thanks so much!
What a fabulous way to spend a day. Wish they sold pies like that at our farmers markets! I moved my site to WordPress you may have to update your reader for new posts. Please stop by. xoxo Mum
so lovely totally got my admiration, beautiful place to be sure wouldn’t mind to spend more!
What a beautiful market!! I miss good markets, I’ve been busy each time my local ones have been on lately
Im determined to get down to Red Hill Market when it is on next. It is nowhere near as good as this one though…I’m feeling a sudden urge to visit NZ… 
Heidi xo
Ooh this all looks excellent! Those mussels look especially delicious, and is that feijoa wine as in the green fruit? We had a feijoa tree in our backyard and they were so delicious but i’ve never been able to find them since (and no one else has heard of them).
I do love a good farmers market in any shape or form. I’m not sure if it’s technically a farmers market, but Borough Market in London would have to be my favourite I think.
Briony xx
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