As you settle in for the end of summer, you probably find yourself wondering where it went, and where the sun was hiding these past few months. However, there's one positive to late February: autumn’s just around the corner.   

Late summer generally means plums, plums and more plums, but it’s also great for other Kiwi favourites like avocados, apples and peaches. City Farmers’ Market at Britomart showcases a beautiful selection of fruits for jams, juice, desserts, or whatever tickles your fancy. Of course, if you prefer to leave that sort of thing to the experts, there are plenty of beautiful homemade options available too.

If you’re looking to compensate for the lack of heat that the summer provided, pop along to The Chilli Factor and give their selection of Israeli hummus a try. Options range in hotness anywhere from just a mild tickle on your tongue to a full-blown heat wave. Regardless of your spice preferences, you’ll find plenty to love about these delicious spreads.

It’s just not a proper trip to a farmers’ market without some of the area’s finest seafood in your basket. At Mulleez, you’ll be greeted with warm Kiwi hospitality and within moments will be enjoying a sample of Clevedon’s best. The samples make it pretty hard to leave without a fish or two in your hands, even if they weren’t on your shopping list.

Ready-to-eat treats and live music

Whether you need something to refill the tank after a morning’s shopping, or you want something sweet to finish off the special meal you have planned for Saturday night, you can’t get much better than handmade Italian pastries. Nico’s desserts on their own are worthy of some pretty high praise, but when served with a smile wider than Sicily and a jolly, boisterous Italian accent, it’s a pleasure you can’t pass up.

Another stall you must pay a visit to is market newbie James Choy and his specialty Korean foods, including rice cakes, BBQ beef dumplings and fritters. And while we’re talking Asian delicacies, look out this weekend for the return of the popular takoyaki octopus dumpling stall.

To add to the laid-back weekend vibe, City Farmers’ Market plays weekly host to local musicians showcasing their unique talents. This Saturday 25 February the market welcomes for the first time ukulele-playing German singer Silke, of 95bFM DJ fame, followed by blues singer Tom Rodwell on 3 March and acoustic-folk musician Daniel Habedank on 10 March. Other regulars include folk-rock trio Rose and the Wooden Hearts, blues-pop-rock guitarist Otis Mace, ukulele band Tahini Jam, violinist Nick Jones and more.

This is just a small sampling of what’s on offer at City Farmers’ Market. Head down to Gore Street any Saturday morning between 8.30 and 12.30, rain or shine, to experience the full range of market delights.

Read more about City Farmers’ Market