Christchurch Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday on the grounds of Riccarton House on Kahu Road, has operated since 2004, making it one of Canterbury’s original food markets and Christchurch’s largest Saturday farmers’ market.
The market runs from 9am to 12pm each Saturday, set beneath 100 year old trees beside the Avon River, winding past the 1856 Riccarton House homestead and gardens toward the 1.8 hectare protected native bush, Pūtaringamotu. Around 50 to 60 stallholders showcase Canterbury’s finest local produce and artisan goods each week, with organisers making a point of ensuring stallholders are the actual producers themselves, the people who grow, rear or bake what they sell, giving families the chance to ask questions and learn directly from the source.
Stalls span organic fruit, vegetables and herbs, fresh bread, cakes and cupcakes, olive oils, coffee, chocolate, cheese, smoked salmon and honey, alongside ready to eat hot pancakes, pies and dumplings for families wanting breakfast or brunch on site. Hummingbird Roaster coffee and live music add to the atmosphere, and the market has been featured in Lonely Planet’s list of things to do in Christchurch.
Free parking for more than 200 vehicles is available, and pets are welcome on leashes. Families are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection, especially during peak summer months when the market draws larger crowds.
For more on dining and outings across Riccarton, see our Family-Friendly Dining & Outings page, and our Riccarton suburb page for the fuller local picture. You can also visit the Christchurch Farmers’ Market website directly for current stallholder information.
Families with young children often find the market a relaxed weekend outing, combining fresh food shopping with a walk through the historic grounds and a chance to feed the ducks along the riverbank.
Given the market’s own long history and strong reputation, weekly visits have become a regular routine for many Riccarton families rather than an occasional treat.
Families wanting to avoid the busiest crowds are encouraged to arrive close to opening time, since popular stalls can sell out of their most sought after items by mid-morning.
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Christchurch Farmers' Market at Riccarton House runs every Saturday morning since 2004.
