Why do people go to Matakana Farmers Market?
The Matakana Farmers’ Market is small, friendly, and well-curated, with a strong focus on sustainability. As a zero-waste farmers market, Matakana market encourages using reusable containers and compostable packaging. That aligns well with the values of many campervan travellers – especially those who appreciate thoughtful, local food.
Visitors come for the quality and variety of what’s on offer. The stalls showcase fresh local produce Matakana is known for, including seasonal fruit and vegetables, along with artisan cheeses, organic sourdough, cured meats, pastries, and locally roasted coffee. You’ll also find small-batch items like pickles, preserves, nut butters, and honey.
You can often spot regional favourites like Mahurangi oysters, free-range eggs, Matakana olive oil, handmade gelato, and small-batch condiments – all reflecting the area's food culture and creative producers. Many stallholders grow or make their products nearby, giving this market a genuine connection to the land and community.
Live music is part of the experience, too. Local musicians often play near the riverside deck, giving the market a relaxed, low-key vibe that’s especially enjoyable in the morning sun.
The wider Matakana Village is also worth a look. Once you’ve finished at the market, you’ll find boutique shops, local galleries, cafés, and even a small independent cinema nearby.
How long should I spend at Matakana Farmers Market?
Most people spend between 1.5 and 2 hours at the market. This allows enough time to wander through the stalls, enjoy a coffee or brunch, and take in the entertainment. If you're also exploring the wider village, browsing local galleries, or stopping for a drink at a nearby winery, consider allowing half a day.
The compact layout of the market makes it easy to explore without feeling rushed, and its friendly scale is especially suitable for campervan travellers looking for a break from longer drives or busy itineraries.
What is Matakana known for?
Matakana is known for its mix of rural charm and upmarket appeal. The region combines scenic landscapes, coastal access, and boutique wineries, drawing Aucklanders for relaxed weekend getaways.
At the heart of its appeal is the Matakana Farmers’ Market, which showcases the area's focus on local, seasonal, and sustainable food production. The village also supports a strong arts and crafts scene, with nearby attractions such as the Matakana Cinemas, Sculptureum, and a variety of local art galleries.
The combination of local produce, artisanal quality, and a well-kept village ambience has helped cement Matakana as one of the Auckland region’s leading food and lifestyle destinations.
How to get to Matakana Farmers Market
Matakana is around 70 km from Auckland, and the drive typically takes about an hour, though traffic can be heavier on weekends.
To get there:
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Head north across the Auckland Harbour Bridge
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Follow State Highway 1 (Northern Motorway) past Silverdale and Warkworth
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Exit onto Matakana Road and continue east
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Drive into the village centre – the market is hard to miss on a Saturday morning
The market is held in the village centre beside the river, with signs pointing the way as you approach.
Best time to visit Matakana Farmers Market
Best time of year: The ideal period for visiting Matakana is from late October to early May, when temperatures are generally warm and dry. Average daytime highs range from 17 °C in October to 25 °C in February, making for comfortable market mornings.
Best time of day: The market runs every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm, rain or shine. For the best experience, plan to arrive at or near opening time. Produce is freshest early in the day, and it’s easier to find parking and navigate the stalls before the midday crowds arrive.
Getting there early also gives you time to relax by the river or enjoy breakfast and live music without feeling rushed.
Weather at Matakana Farmers Market
Matakana enjoys a mild climate year-round:
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Summer (Dec–Feb): 23–25 °C
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Autumn/Spring: 16–22 °C
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Winter (Jun–Aug): 10–15 °C
The market runs year-round, but you’ll find more stalls and larger crowds during the warmer months.
Best place to park your campervan at Matakana Village Farmers Market
There is limited street parking available near the market, especially for larger vehicles such as campervans. Arriving before 9 am offers the best chance of finding a convenient park close to the market.
If spaces directly near the village are full, some visitors choose to park on Matakana Valley Road and walk a short distance in. There are no designated long-vehicle parking zones, so it’s worth allowing extra time to find a suitable spot.
Always ensure you're parked legally and not obstructing driveways or pedestrian walkways.