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Artisan Markets In Ōtautahi Christchurch

Your Guide To Local Markets Across The City

Enjoy shopping sustainably and ethically in Ōtautahi. Whatever the season, this list of local artisan markets will ensure your tummy is full and your fashion, homewares, gifts, and knick-knacks are on-trend all while supporting local.

Christchurch Night Market

The Christchurch Night Market is a permanent night market, which has recently opened its new location at the Hub Hornby rooftop carpark (the Bush Inn Market is temporarily closed). It’s on every Thursday from 6pm to 10pm.

Head along to check out their range of stalls from food to crafts, this unique night market is a great place to hang out with friends and family for a casual evening of fun.


Good for

  • Casual
  • Open-air market
  • Food trucks
  • Child friendly

The Nifty Markets

The Nifty Markets have somewhat of a cult following in Ōtautahi. This funky market was first born at Bennys Barber Shop in 2017 and has continued to grow since. The Nifty community is crafty and conscious with many up-and-coming local businesses’ starting out at the Nifty Markets. Whether you're after handmade clothing, local artisan pottery, crafted jewellery, or preloved vintage garments and homewares, Nifty is the place for you. They now have a permanent store open on Cashel Street selling preloved clothing, but be sure to visit Nifty’s social page for their upcoming market dates.

Good for 

  • Local small businesses 
  • Handmade goods & preloved clothing 
  • Dog-friendly indoor markets 

Ferrymead Night Market

The popular Ferrymead Night Market is hosted by the Ferrymead Heritage Park on the first Saturday of every month (excluding winter months). Open from 4pm-8pm, this market is very family-friendly with tram and train rides, face painting, live theatre, and live music. Enjoy a variety of craft stalls and grab a bite at one of the many international food vendors. Then relax beside a warm fire and soak up the atmosphere with a pint of local craft beer or a glass of homegrown wine. Entry fee of $5 for adults (children under 15 are free).

Good for 

  • Live entertainment
  • Open-air market
  • Local wine and craft beer

Garden City Mākete

One of the younger markets to the scene, the Garden City Mākete has had wild success and is held at different locations across the city throughout the year. They’re not just about selling beautiful products; they're also about making a positive impact in our community. Pick up your latest favourite thread, toanga, art or plant from the unique and varied concessionaires. Check their social page for updates.

Good for 

  • Local small businesses 
  • Ethical gift options 
  • Preloved clothing 

Christchurch Farmers' Market

Set amidst the idyllic open-air grounds of Riccarton House and Bush, the Christchurch Farmers' Market is a must for your bucket list. Set under 100-year-old trees, the market winds itself around the Avon River and past the 1856 homestead towards 1.8 hectares of native bush. Roaming the stalls, coffee in hand while native birds play the background track is a perfect weekend experience. This one is very family-friendly so park up by the stream after your shopping or relax on the green with a bite from one of the many local vendors. 

Good for 

  • Fresh produce
  • Artisan food
  • Hand crafted gifts

Vintage Market Avebury House

The Vintage Market is set on the picturesque grounds of the Avebury House. Specialising in quality vintage items from clothing to homeware, roaming these stalls feels like a treasure hunt. The weird and wonderful collections will throw up a perfect wee gift for a vintage collector or a unique piece for your own home. In warmer months, the market spreads out across the lawn and moves inside the gorgeous Victorian manor in the cooler months. Run by a small group of passionate people along with lovely stallholders, this market has a welcoming community feel.

Good for 

  • Antiques
  • Tools and collectibles
  • Homewares

The Riccarton Markets

One of Canterbury's largest markets with about 10,000 people though each day, the Riccarton Market deserves its popularity. With over 200 stalls, you’ll find a bit of everything at these Sunday markets. Hunt out the latest bargains, grab your week's produce, and enjoy the free entertainment. The market is open every weekend except for public holidays but check out their social page for the latest updates.

Good for 

  • Food trucks 
  • Tools & antiques 
  • Fruit & vegies 

Shabby Chic Market Woolston

Christchurch's longest-running vintage market, the Shabby Chic Market has made its home in the 19th Century Rochester Villa on the banks of the Heathcote River. Once a month, 40+ stalls offer a range of lovingly curated treasures from vintage threads and furniture, to artisan crafts and house plants. Close by, a playground and dog exercise area makes this market visit an all-family affair. 

Good for 

  • Vintage items
  • Open-air market
  • Arts and crafts

New Brighton Seaside Market

The New Brighton's Seaside Market is a true community affair. The welcoming atmosphere is filled with smells of delicious food every Saturday, sounds of children playing, and musos strumming away. A variety of stalls offer handmade crafts, local produce, and scrummy food. Free face painting is a winner with kids of all ages and the nearby playground will keep boredom at bay. 

Good for 

  • Live entertainment
  • Open-air market
  • Nearby playground and face painting

Lyttelton Market

The Lyttelton Farmers Market has become a staple on the community events calendar with visitors travelling from around the city to visit. The market has lined London street every Saturday since 2005 thanks to the not-for-profit group Project Port Lyttelton and their volunteers. The market is filled with fresh produce from around the Canterbury region, plus a selection of food and craft artisans. The nearby Harbour Bazaar also offers a range of arts and craft stalls.  

Good for 

  • Fresh produce
  • Open-air market
  • Small local businesses

Vegan Night Mākete

The Vegan Night Mākete raises the awesomeness level of plant-based foods, goods, and treats on the last Saturday of every month. The market is organised by the Christchurch Vegan Society and is part of efforts to raise awareness of the benefits of veganism. It's also a great way to bring the community together. It's held at the Phillipstown Community Hub, and with a variety of stalls, food trucks, and entertainment, this plant-based market is not your usual, and not to be missed.

Good for 

  • Live music
  • Open-air market
  • Ethical local businesses
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