Worth waking up early for
There aren’t many things that will get me out of bed early in the weekend, but the promise of freshly baked treats, corn fritters and hashbrowns is undoubtedly one them.
With the rise of food delivery services, there is nothing quite like spending the morning at a humble farmers’ market to get a taste of the freshest produce, ready-to-eat foods and homemade goods.
Darting through stalls searching for the vendor responsible for the wafting smell of bacon, selecting the gooeyist custard bun from the pile before tucking into breakfast wherever you can find a spare spot to sit is part of the charm. With dozens of markets and fairs to choose from across the region, which market is best?
Let’s start with the obvious.
The setting of Christchurch Farmers’ Market, at the historic Riccarton House every Saturday, makes for a charming brunch spot to watch the ducks or enjoy the grounds. But beware, it’s usually packed so you might be pressed to find a seat. A savoury lover at heart, it’s always hard to look past the freshly baked bread and Bacon Brother’s free range and ethically made burgers but there are plenty of options for those with a sweet tooth.
Up for a drive through Banks Peninsula? Akaroa Farmers’ Market offer classic French goodies to stock up a picnic basket with including olives, baguettes, croissants, pickles, cheese and freshly-caught fish.
If you can, try beating the rush in peak season because the township can get very busy with cruise ship passengers. I’d recommend grabbing your goodies and enjoying lunch overlooking the beach before exploring the area’s walks and attractions.
If you’re interested in quantity, you can’t look past the Riccarton Sunday Market. Open every Sunday at the Riccarton Racecourse, over 200 vendors offer up bargains in everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to second-hand goods, furniture, clothing, art, plants and trees, food and drinks.
Lyttleton hosts the usual farmers’ market fare with a focus on hyper-local produce. Several of the regular stalls are vendors from the port town itself, and everyone coming from less than a 20 kilometre radius from the London St meeting point. The market has been run by Project Lyttelton for over a decade.
Special mention goes to the Ohoka Farmers’ Market, supporting around 50 growers and food artisans and ecoagriculture in Waimakariri, and Amberley Farmers’ Market, right in the middle of town, on State Highway 1. Around 45 minutes from Christchurch, a trip to Amberly calls for a slightly earlier rise but makes up for it with the fresh, tasty produce. Sparks
North Hagley Park, Saturday from 7.30pm
Entertainment ranging from a symphony orchestra to kapa haka performers and fire dancers will take the stage at the annual Sparks show on Saturday. The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra will collaborate with Te Ahikaaroa, local soloists and guest performers including Nomad, soul singer Sacha Vee and Pasifika drum troupe The East Side Drumline. Sparks will conclude with a fireworks display at 9.30pm. Admission is free. Chinese New Year Parade Cathedral Square, Sunday from 3pm
Welcome in the Year of the Pig with a colourful parade. The annual parade starts at 3pm from the Bridge of Remembrance and moves along Cashel and High streets, ending with a show at Cathedral Square.
Nostalgia Festival Ferrymead Heritage Park, Saturday from 12pm
Held in a 1900s replica township in the heart of Heathcote Valley, Nostalgia is a vintage festival putting Kiwi music, local food and and craft drinks on a pedestal. The entertainment line-up includes reggae group TrinityRoots, Mama Kin Spender, The Beths, The Butlers and Soaked Oats.