Flea markets can be a treasure trove.
There have been many instances of people finding rare and valuable artifacts at flea markets, completely by chance.
For example, one person bought a Martin John Heade painting for a mere $100.
After calling a local museum, the individual was able to sell the painting for a whopping $1.2 million!
In another auction, a shopper purchased what seemed like a costume jewelry diamond ring.
It turned out to be the Tenner Ring.
They bought it for $10 and sold it at auction for $850,000.
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10 Best Flea Markets in New Zealand
If you are a fan of flea markets and would like to get the scoop on ten of the best flea markets in New Zealand, we have you covered!
The markets on our list are some of the most renowned flea markets in the country, drawing treasure hunters in from all corners of New Zealand and some from hunters from different continents.
1. Takapuna Markets
Takapuna Markets is a flea market that is hosted every Sunday in Auckland, New Zealand.
The market opens at 06:00 am sharp and operates until 12:00 midday.
Takapuna Markets is considered to be one of Auckland’s most diverse and busiest markets.
For those who love to walk through the stalls and browse the selections, Takapuna Flea Market does not disappoint.
Whether you are looking for a fresh bouquet of beautiful flowers, a new plant for your home, a hat for the summer, a book to read, or just about anything in between, you will find it at this stall.
Looking for some fresh produce? No problem, this flea market has a variety of stalls selling “fresh from the farm” produce.
And, more importantly, if you are looking to find that one piece of treasure that you’ve been hunting for, you may just find it at this market.
Several vendors sell antique items.
In addition, when you get tired from your shopping spree, head on over to one of the food vendors.
There are fresh pastries, fried foods, and a selection of international dishes to choose from.
Live bands and singers keep you entertained while you browse through the stalls.
2. Nelson Saturday Market
The flea market is hosted every Saturday in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
The market operates from 08:00 am to 13:00pm, come rain or shine.
This market is renowned throughout the country and in some other parts of the world for offering some of the highest-quality produce and fine artistry.
The market has been operating for nearly five decades and is still going strong.
The market strives towards certain goals when making space available for vendors.
Firstly, the aim of the market is to promote buying locally and provide a platform for local vendors to sell their arts, crafts, and antiques, to mention a few.
In addition, the market aims to help small businesses get off the ground and thrive through this opportunity.
This market is both eco-friendly and a plastic-free zone, so those who are more environmentally conscious can rest easy knowing that the market is doing its part for the environment.
Firstly, the market offers a range of stalls that sell fresh produce, food that is made on-site, such as takeaways, sweet treats, coffee, and hot cooked nuts, as well as home-made packaged goods such as honey, olive oil, jams, nut spreads, teas, and juices.
In addition, some stalls sell salmon, fish, vegan meat, and dairy products.
Other items include homeware, clothing, music, art, and jewelry.
The market hosts a plethora of fundraising events throughout the year and promises to be great fun.
3. Rotorua Night Market
Rotorua Night Market operates during the evening, every Thursday from 17:00 pm to 20:30 pm in Rotorua, New Zealand.
One of the things that most stand out about this market is the fact that it sells a wide variety of global cuisines.
If you are a foodie, then this is the market for you!
There are a plethora of food trucks offering food from almost every corner of the globe!
The stalls sell artisan products, crafts, and locally made art!
This market is vibrant, family-friendly, and offers nearly anything you can imagine.
You can browse the stalls in boutique-style shopping shops while you’re being entertained by live music.
Some of the best local talent play at this flea market.
If you like to decorate your home with exotic items from continents, then you will love the exotic imports from India, Mexico, and Morocco.
From furniture, textiles, lighting, and decor, to ceramics and furniture, you will find colorful items to beautifully decorate your home.
Nearly all products of this nature are hand-crafted by very skilled artisans.
From beautiful flowers to fresh produce and elegant artifacts, you will be surprised and amazed at the sheer variety.
4. Otago Farmers Market
Otago Farmers Market is located in Dunedin, New Zealand.
The market operates every Saturday from 08:00 am to 12:30 pm.
This is an authentic farmers’ market.
Their main goal is to remain true to what they are and that is a farmers market that sells fresh produce and other types of food items.
The market was established in 2003 and has been going from strength to strength ever since.
The market has excellent facilities for parking no more than two minutes away from the venue and most stalls do accept credit and debit cards, although cash is the best option.
There is a huge selection of international food stalls selling food items from places like Syria and most of Asia.
Some stalls sell locally produced items such as honey, crepes, vegan food, and more.
In addition, there are stalls that offer fresh fruit and vegetables, craft beer, dairy products, meat products, pastries, as well as juices, and wine.
5. Remarkables Market
Remarkable Market is located in Queenstown, New Zealand, and operates every Saturday from 10:00 am to 14:00 pm.
This is a small farmers-style market that focuses on selling fresh produce, dairy products, takeaway food, arts, and crafts, and offers live music from local bands.
The market prides itself on creating an atmosphere where visitors feel welcome and relaxed.
There is free sunscreen in the summer and spring, a sandpit for the kids to play in, and large communal tables with umbrellas where you can sit after a hard day’s shopping.
There are more than 60 different stalls offering a variety of locally made arts and crafts, as well as some delicious food.
The great thing about the location of this market is that it is able to offer visitors free parking on site.
The market regularly hosts events such as pride week, winter week, and more, where kids can have their faces painted for free, adults can sample some of the delicious craft beer, and visitors of all ages are entertained by the live music.
If you are in search of a great second-hand book to read, you may find exactly what you are looking for on this market.
6. Parnell Farmers Market
Parnell Farmers Market is a flea and street market located in Auckland, New Zealand.
The market operates every Saturday, come rain or shine, from 08:00 am to noon.
It was established in 2007 and has been going strong ever since.
This market was initially started by The Village Square Trust in an effort to bring community members together.
The market features over 30 stall vendors that sell a variety of fresh produce, different kinds of meat, dairy, flowers, and plants.
The market has free street parking, disabled parking, 30-minute market parking, and paid parking.
In addition, the trust has been able to host a series of sustainability workshops alongside the market that teaches participants of these workshops useful sustainability tips.
The craft market, held on the fourth Saturday of each month, alongside the farmer’s market, features several stalls and tables where artists sell their arts and crafts.
This showcases some of the best talents in Auckland and includes a variety of items such as hand-dyed yarn, jewelry, toys, tea towels, cushions, candles, mosaics, and much more.
7. Brown’s Bay Sunday Market
Brown’s Bay Sunday Market is hosted in Auckland, New Zealand, every Sunday morning from 08:00 am to noon.
The market charges a general admission fee of $20.00.
This market is mainly a second-hand market for those looking to clear out their garages.
You will find things like pre-loved clothing, collectibles, antiques, fresh produce, second-hand books, plants, flowers, and so much more.
This market primarily focuses on selling second-hand items, so there are a limited number of food stalls available.
There are three cafes that border the market and another one that is within walking distance.
The market also features a craft market where vendors can sell their hand-made items.
The market is a great place to kill an hour or so by strolling through the various stalls and seeing what is up for grabs
You never know what you might find here!
The venue is neat and well organized and shoppers are in for a treat!
8. Avondale Sunday Market
Avondale Sunday Market is a farmers’ market hosted every Sunday in Auckland, New Zealand.
The market operates from 05:00 am through to noon.
This is the biggest and oldest one-day market in Auckland.
The market attracts upwards of 20,000 visitors each Sunday.
This is a multicultural market that features products and goods from a variety of vendors featuring products from the Pacific and Asian continents.
Here you will find food items and ingredients from China, Thailand, Vietnam, India, as well as the Pacific Islands.
There is parking at the venue for $3.
Alternatively, parking is available outside on the street for free.
Keep in mind that it is often difficult to find street parking.
Taking public transport may be the better option.
It is only an 11-minute walk from the train station.
9. Helter Skelter Vintage
This flea market is located in Lower Hutt.
The market is open seven days a week from noon to 17:00 each day.
This huge indoor flea market offers a huge variety of items, selling everything from pre-loved clothing such as jackets, coats, dresses, ties, and much more, to second-hand books, art, crafts, and just about anything in between.
If you are a true treasure hunter at heart, then this market will surely appeal to you.
Are you in the market for small children’s toys?
What about antique items?
Or, even better yet, a beautiful old typewriter?
This market has everything you can possibly imagine finding in a flea market.
You can easily browse around for a few hours.
This is a treasure trove of fine pieces, collectibles, and just about everything in between!
10. Wesley Market
Wesley Market is hosted twice a week, on a Tuesday and a Friday from 07:00 am to 13:00pm.
The market features a host of vendors selling things like fresh produce, freshly made food, arts, crafts, antiques, flowers, and plants.
This outdoor flea market is exceptionally well run and neat.
The market was established in 1994 as a community project with the idea being that it would provide affordable products and produce for people of a lower socio-economic status.
Today, there are over 60 stalls selling a variety of items and services to the community.
In addition, the market features great initiatives such as “coffee with a cop”, where police officers and community members are able to interact in a social setting and build/foster strong relationships.
The 10 Best Flea Markets in New Zealand – Summary Table
| Flea Market | Address |
|---|---|
| Takapuna Markets | 17 Anzac Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 |
| Nelson Saturday Market | Montgomery Square, Nelson 7010 |
| Rotorua Night Market | 1029 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua 3010 |
| Otago Farmers Market | 5/27 Anzac Avenue, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016 |
| Remarkables Market | 23 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9371 |
| Parnell Farmers Market | 545 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052 |
| Brown's Bay Sunday Market | Anzac Road, Browns Bay, Auckland 0630 |
| Avondale Sunday Market | 23 Elm Street, Avondale, Auckland 1026 |
| Helter Skelter Vintage | Unit 1/113 Gracefield Road, Gracefield, Lower Hutt 5010 |
| Wesley Market | Mount Roskill, Auckland 1040 |
New Zealand Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: New Zealand Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to a flea market?
Dress comfortably.
Wear a tracksuit and comfortable shoes.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
You will be doing a lot of walking.
What are things I should watch out for?
You will not get a warranty.
All sales are final.
Always inspect things before buying and switch electrical items on and off to make sure they are working.
When is the best time to go to a flea market?
The best stuff usually sells out in the morning.
However, for the best price, you should go late in the day just before closing.
