Christchurch is blessed with an abundance of farmers’ markets bringing the goods when it comes to fresh, locally grown produce, artisan goodies and awesome handmade trinkets. Here are our top picks for where to fill the pantry and grab unique food finds.

Riverside Market This enclosed seven-day market serves up some of the best eats in town. Located along the hip and happening Oxford Terrace, Riverside is supporting local by bringing a range of small businesses together under one roof. You can pick up craft beers, fruit and veg, cured meats, cheeses and baked treats, or you can pop into one of the cafés, restaurants or bars and indulge as you overlook the Avon River.

The Riccarton Market The grandpappy of Christchurch markets is the biggest of its kind in New Zealand. Running each Sunday 9am – 2pm at Riccarton Racecourse, the market has a wealth of artisan food and beverages, antiques, clothing, arts and crafts and fresh produce among its 200-plus stalls.

Christchurch Farmers’ Market Established in 2003, this market has over 80 stalls bursting with vegetables, fruit, meat, cheeses, drinks and plenty of ready-to-eat treats. The market runs each Saturday 9am – 1pm in front of Riccarton House.

Lyttelton Farmers’ Market Held every Saturday 10am – 1pm down London Street, this market is full of fresh fruit and veg, plants and delicious foods including deep-fried tempeh, gozleme, baklava, whitebait sandwiches, cakes, dolmades, pies, fresh baked bread and so much more.

Opawa/St Martin’s Farmers’ Market Each Sunday 9am – 2pm, 275 Fifield Terrace comes to life with fresh bread, French-style pastries, free-range eggs, locally made Italian cheeses, salads, a massive range of organic produce and more. This friendly down-to-earth market hosts well-known and trusted growers.

Mt Pleasant Farmers’ Market Overlooking the beautiful estuary, Mt Pleasant Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to spend your Saturday morning stocking up on goods. You can get your fruit and veg fix with the freshest produce available, or take home some dips, flowers, fresh fish, preserves, herbs, baked goods or cheese.

Ohoka Farmers’ Market More than 50 stallholders pull up to this market each Friday from 9am – 12:30pm and deliver fresh, local, seasonal foods and quality artisan crafts. With loads of hand-baked treats, there’s definitely something for all dietary requirements and palates too, with a world of flavour from Spanish to Indian and Thai.

Lincoln Farmers’ & Craft Market Filled with seasonal fruit and vegetables, German baking, pizzas and pastries, sweet treats, and gourmet delicacies including wine, pesto, honey, fruit cordials, cheese, olive oil, hazelnut products and fudge. You can catch this market, and also stock up on some artisan crafts including chopping boards, tea cosies and beeswax reusable food wraps, every Saturday 10am – 1pm on Lincoln’s Gerald Street.

New Brighton Seaside Market The beach end of New Brighton Mall is transformed to a foodies’ paradise each Saturday from 10am – 2pm. This community affair boasts a variety of stalls offering handmade crafts, primo local produce and exquisite food. Bask in the sun and groove along to some awesome live entertainment as you satisfy your taste-buds with a waffle, fried chicken, noodles or sweets.

Kaiapoi Farmers’ Market This not-for-profit community market focusing on local producers and artisan products is well worth a visit. Each Saturday you can catch up with the friendly and knowledgeable stallholders and grab some goods including eggs, fresh fruit and veg, honey, nuts, baked goods and some funky arts and crafts.