Wellington Markets
Explore the Local Markets!
Wellington markets run every Saturday and Sunday across the city and the wider region — from the landmark waterfront market at Harbourside near Te Papa to neighbourhood farmers markets in Thorndon, Karori, and Newtown. Whether you’re after fresh produce, artisan food, or a relaxed weekend browse, there’s a market within reach most mornings of the week.
Browse Wellington’s markets below:
Wellington Markets at a Glance
| Market | Location | Day & Hours | Focus |
| Harbourside Market | Waitangi Park, Cable St (beside Te Papa) | Sunday 7:30am–2pm | Produce, food trucks, crafts |
| Thorndon Farmers Market | Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, 2 Hill St, Thorndon | Saturday 8:30am–12:30pm | Fresh produce, artisan food |
| Tawa Lions Saturday Market | Outlet City Car Park, 24 Main Road, Tawa | Saturday 9am–2pm | Arts & crafts, produce, car boot |
| Newtown Fruit & Vegetable Market | Newtown School, Mein St, Newtown | Saturday from 7am | Fresh produce, affordable prices |
| Karori Farmers Market | Corner Karori Road & Campbell Street | Saturday 8am–1pm | Local produce, artisan food |
| Riverbank Market | Lower Hutt CBD (riverbank area — see note) | Saturday 6am–2pm | Produce, food, general goods |
About Wellington’s Markets
Harbourside Market
Harbourside Market is Wellington’s biggest and most visited weekly market, held every Sunday at Waitangi Park on Cable Street, right beside Te Papa Tongarewa. It runs from 7:30am to 2pm, with around 30 food trucks and food vendors alongside fresh fruit and vegetable stalls. Parking in the surrounding area drops to $2 per hour during market hours. It’s the most central and accessible of Wellington’s markets — easily walkable from the CBD, the waterfront, and most city hotels.
Thorndon Farmers Market
Thorndon Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8:30am to 12:30pm at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, 2 Hill Street in Thorndon. The market focuses on fresh produce — fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, and artisan food products from regional suppliers. It’s a short walk up Molesworth Street from Wellington Railway Station, with free street parking available on Molesworth, Hill, and Aitken Streets.
Tawa Lions Saturday Market
Run by the Lions Club of Tawa, this community market operates every Saturday from 9am to 2pm at the Outlet City Car Park, 24 Main Road, Tawa. Note that the market relocated from the DressSmart car park — confirm the current address before visiting as this may change again. Stalls cover arts and crafts, fresh produce, honey, free-range eggs, and car boot sales. The market runs year-round except when Christmas or New Year falls on a Saturday.
Newtown Fruit and Vegetable Market
The Newtown Fruit and Vegetable Market is a neighbourhood institution on Mein Street in Newtown, held at the Newtown School grounds every Saturday from around 7am. It’s known for fresh, affordable produce and reflects the multicultural character of the Newtown community. Stalls often sell out of popular lines by mid-morning — arriving early gives the best selection.
Karori Farmers Market
The Karori Farmers Market is a community-led market on the corner of Karori Road and Campbell Street in Karori, running every Saturday from 8am to 1pm, rain or shine. It focuses on locally grown produce and artisan food from regional producers. Wellington City Council highlighted it in 2024 as an example of a successful community-run market initiative.
Riverbank Market, Lower Hutt
The Riverbank Market is Lower Hutt’s long-running weekly market, held every Saturday from 6am to 2pm at the riverbank area near Queensgate Shopping Centre. It offers fresh produce, food, and general goods across a large open-air site, with around 800 car parks nearby (up to two hours free). Important: The market is due to relocate to Dowse Square as part of the Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi RiverLink construction — check the Hutt City Council relocation page for the confirmed current location before visiting.
Planning Your Market Visit
Most of Wellington’s markets run on Saturday mornings, so it’s possible to visit two in a single morning if you time it well. Thorndon and Karori both open early and are a 10–15 minute drive apart — Karori at 8am, Thorndon at 8:30am. If you’re staying in the CBD, Harbourside on Sunday is the easiest option: central, flat walk from most hotels, no car needed.
Most markets operate rain or shine, but stall numbers can vary on heavy rain days. To get the best produce selection, arriving within the first hour of opening is worth it — popular items at farmers markets often sell out before midday.
What Visitors Say
TripAdvisor reviewers consistently rate Harbourside Market as a Wellington highlight — visitors note the lively atmosphere, the range of food stalls, and the setting beside Te Papa with harbour views. Several recommend it as the ideal Sunday morning activity before exploring the waterfront.
Concrete Playground named Karori Farmers Market among Wellington’s best markets, highlighting the community atmosphere and quality of local produce. Neighbourly posts from Karori residents describe it as a reliable weekly fixture with a strong local following.
Where to Learn More
harboursidemarket.co.nz — The official Harbourside Market website with current trading dates, stallholder listings, and any event updates or closures.
WellingtonNZ — Harbourside Market — Wellington’s official tourism body guide to Harbourside Market, with visitor tips, transport options, and nearby attractions.
My Guide Wellington — Weekly Markets — A practical overview of Wellington’s weekly markets with current hours, locations, and highlights across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is Harbourside Market in Wellington?
Harbourside Market runs every Sunday from 7:30am to 2pm at Waitangi Park, Cable Street, right beside Te Papa.
Are Wellington markets free to enter?
Yes — all of Wellington’s regular weekly markets are free to enter. You only pay for what you buy.
Which Wellington market is best for fresh produce?
Thorndon Farmers Market and Karori Farmers Market both focus on fresh local produce. Newtown Fruit and Vegetable Market is known for affordable prices. Harbourside Market has the largest overall selection.
Do Wellington markets run in winter?
Yes — all markets listed here run year-round, including winter. Stall numbers can be lower on very wet days, but they operate rain or shine.
Has the Riverbank Market in Lower Hutt moved?
The Riverbank Market is planned to relocate to Dowse Square as part of the RiverLink construction project. Check the Hutt City Council relocation page for the confirmed current location before visiting.
Is there parking at Harbourside Market?
Yes — parking in the Cable Street area is $2 per hour during market hours. The market is also easily walkable from central Wellington.
What time do Wellington markets start?
Harbourside Market starts at 7:30am on Sundays. Saturday markets generally open between 7am (Newtown) and 9am (Tawa Lions), with most running until 1–2pm.
For more things to do across the city, see the Things to Do in Wellington guide. The waterfront area around Harbourside Market is also great for a walk — see all routes in the Wellington Walking Tracks hub.