I’m feeling all refreshed after a four-day getaway with my sister and her family. We stayed in the hills of Leigh, overlooking rolling pastures and the Goat Island marine reserve. The area is absolutely breathtaking and while I was so tempted to put my feet up and soak up the views from the weekender we rented, or “Bach”, as it’s called here in New Zealand, there were too many things to do and see around the area.
I’ve been introducing my sister and brother in-law to the wonders of New Zealand produce. They’re real foodies themselves so after my last market experience, the first thing on my to do list for the weekend was to visit the famous Matakana Farmers Market on Saturday.
We spent hours walking around the market, chatting to the store holders and sampling what was on offer. The live music was the perfect touch to the ambience.
The Matakana Farmers Market is a showcase of artisans and farmers who have a real passion in what they do. The three products that really stood out for me would have to be:
The olives, which I can’t believe I didn’t get a photo of, but I really need to mention them! They were so sweet, and beautiful in texture and taste. The sizes and colours also varied, so the presentation was really lovely.
Churchill’s Salami was divine and I ate way too much of it! It had such subtle flavours, and no huge chunks of fat like most do – this is coming from someone who’s never been a fan of salami!
The Sawmill Brewing Co. beer is excellent. We actually purchased a selection direct from the brewery the day before, however they do have a stand at the markets. I have to confess I was more interested in the packaging at first, imagining the bottle’s uses for future salad dressings and the like! Once I got over the excitement and tasted the beers, I was equally impressed. So was my brother in-law who is known to brew excellent beer himself. On the Sawmill Brewery topic, a lunch or dinner at the café there is recommended – restaurant quality food and a friendly atmosphere.
We finished Saturday perfectly with an aperitif of a selection of our purchases on the Bach’s sunny deck. I could certainly get used to that kind of life.
If you’re in the Auckland area, the markets are only an hour away from the centre and well worth a visit. Just another twenty minutes or so further north, you’re at the Goat Island marine reserve.
Have a lovely day readers, thanks for stopping by again and see you back here on Friday!
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I can’t wait to visit this weekend – what a great summary and I will definitely be heading to taste that salami!
Hi Kelly, thanks so much for your comment:) Lucky you, it’s been a while since I’ve been there and should go again soon! Have fun! Mel
Now I really want to visit your farmers market! I visit mine every week and it’s got such a great atmosphere. Thanks for the lovely photos and can I just say Mel your blog is really looking fabulous.
I run the Salami Stall at the Markets and just want to thank you for your lovely photos and excellent write up of the Matakana Farmers Market. Michael tries to make it interesting each week and encourages feedback. It is a wonderful place to be!
Thank you once again,
Regards, Karen and Michael
An absolute pleasure Karen! Mel:)
i love gourmet markets and I love farmers markets too – now that my boys soccer season is over I can have my Saturday mornings back…i might even venture to some thrift markets too!
We love staying at Omaha in Summer and visiting the Matakana Markets. Sounds like you had a fab time! x