There’s something about a Sunday morning at the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market that keeps people coming back week after week. The market at Tomoana Showgrounds has been a local ritual for over twenty years, drawing thousands of visitors to Waikoko Gardens with its promise of fresh produce straight from the source. Whether you’re hunting for seasonal stonefruit, artisan breads, or just a decent coffee to start the day, this is where Hawke’s Bay residents and visitors alike connect with the region’s agricultural heartbeat.

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Days Open: Sundays · Hours: 8:30am – 12:30pm · Main Location: Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings · Alternate Site: Napier · Established: Over 20 years

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact vendor count varies week to week
  • Saturday operations at Napier location need direct confirmation
  • Current seasonal hour adjustments unconfirmed for 2026
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

The following table summarizes the key facts about the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market.

Field Value
Name Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market
Primary Location Tomoana Showgrounds, Waikoko Gardens, Hastings
Hours Sundays 8:30am – 12:30pm
Frequency Weekly (every Sunday)
Entry Cost Free
Notable For Oldest and largest farmers’ market in NZ
Venue Owner Hastings District Council
Market Manager 027 697 3737

What time does the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market open?

The Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market opens every Sunday at 8:30am and runs until 12:30pm at Waikoko Gardens within Tomoana Showgrounds on Kenilworth Road, Hastings. The venue sits just five minutes from central Hastings and is owned and managed by the Hastings District Council.

The market operates rain, hail, or shine throughout the year—no weather cancellations apply. Growers and producers are on hand to share knowledge about food preparation and answer questions about seasonal availability.

Hastings site details

  • Waikoko Gardens at Tōmoana Showgrounds, Kenilworth Rd, Hastings
  • Opens 8:30am sharp, closes 12:30pm
  • Free entry, all ages welcome
  • Two ATMs available (under gazebo or inside Grandstand)
  • Smoke-free environment with designated smoking area in car park
  • Lost and found handled at information stall

Napier site details

For those closer to Napier, the Napier Urban Farmers’ Market operates on Saturdays from 8:30am to 12:30pm at Clive Square. Note that this is a separate market operated independently from the main Sunday market in Hastings.

The upshot

Set your alarm for 8:30am if you want first pick of the season’s best produce—the good stuff goes fast, and by 11am many stalls start running low on popular items.

What’s on at the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market this weekend?

Every Sunday at the market brings a rotating cast of local vendors selling fresh produce, artisan goods, and prepared foods. The Hastings market features dozens of stalls offering breads, meats, cheeses, preserves, sweet treats, free-range eggs, honey, wine, coffee, plants, and flowers direct from the people who grew or made them.

Current vendors

  • Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables from local growers
  • Breads, pastries, and baked goods from artisan bakers
  • Grass-fed meats and free-range poultry
  • Artisan cheeses and dairy products
  • Preserves, jams, and local honey
  • Hawke’s Bay wines and craft beverages
  • Hot coffee and breakfast options
  • Plants, seedlings, and fresh-cut flowers

Special events

The market hosts periodic special events throughout the year. Upcoming scheduled dates include Sunday 14 December 2025, with events listed on the Hastings District Council events calendar through October. These events often feature live music, cooking demonstrations, and seasonal celebrations.

Why this matters

Thousands of visitors gather every Sunday at Waikoko Gardens, according to the Hastings District Council. This isn’t a small operation—it’s a community institution that draws crowds comparable to much larger city markets.

What are the downsides of farmers markets?

Like any market experience, the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market has trade-offs worth knowing before you go.

Cost factors

Prices at farmers markets typically run higher than supermarket equivalents. You’re paying for freshness, local sourcing, and direct relationships with producers. A reviewer on TripAdvisor noted the market experience but acknowledged that budget-conscious shoppers might find comparable items cheaper at chain supermarkets.

Crowd issues

  • Can get busy, especially during peak summer season
  • Limited parking available at Tōmoana Showgrounds
  • Cash-only at some stalls despite ATMs on-site
  • No dedicated indoor space—events proceed rain or shine

Weather dependency

While the market runs in all weather conditions, extreme heat or heavy rain can make the experience less pleasant. Summer months can get very warm with limited shade, while winter mornings in Hawke’s Bay can be surprisingly cold.

The catch

Bring cash for smaller vendors and arrive before 11am if you want the full selection—popular items like fresh-baked bread and seasonal produce sell out fast, and some vendors pack up early once their stock runs dry.

What to buy at the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market?

Seasonal produce consistently ranks as the most popular category at the market. Hawke’s Bay’s warm climate and fertile soils produce exceptional stonefruit, citrus, and vegetables that visitors travel specifically to purchase.

Top produce categories

  • Seasonal stonefruit: Peaches, nectarines, plums at peak summer
  • Citrus: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruit in winter months
  • Vegetables: Tomatoes, corn, capsicums, leafy greens year-round
  • Fresh herbs and microgreens
  • Local honey and manuka products

Visitor favorites

According to visitor reviews, the must-buy items include fresh-baked breads, artisan cheeses, free-range eggs, and Hawke’s Bay wines. A TripAdvisor reviewer described the market as offering “good coffee, wonderful food choices for breakfast and quality produce to take home.”

What to watch

Talk to the growers—many will point you toward what’s best that week and share preparation tips you won’t get at any supermarket. Those conversations are part of what makes the market experience worth the premium.

What to do in Hawke’s Bay this weekend?

The farmers market makes an ideal starting point for a Hawke’s Bay weekend. Combine your market visit with other local attractions within easy driving distance.

Market activities

  • Browse and shop from dozens of local vendors
  • Enjoy breakfast or coffee on-site
  • Talk to growers about seasonal produce and recipes
  • Pick up Hawke’s Bay wines and artisan foods for a picnic

Nearby attractions

The Tōmoana Showgrounds hosts a wide range of events yearly and sits just minutes from Hastings city centre. Other nearby options include the Havelock North village area, local wineries, and beaches along the Hawke’s Bay coastline.

Upsides

  • Freshest possible produce direct from growers
  • Supports local farmers and producers
  • Family-friendly environment, dogs welcome
  • Cycle accessible with good facilities
  • Free entry with no minimum purchase
  • Unique Hawke’s Bay food culture experience

Downsides

  • Premium pricing compared to supermarkets
  • Can be crowded during peak season
  • Weather-dependent experience
  • Limited parking at venue
  • Some stalls cash-only
  • Saturday option only available in Napier

Related reading: Stir Fry Sauce Recipe · How Many Tablespoons in a Cup

Additional sources

hawkesbaynz.com, hawkesbayfarmersmarket.co.nz

Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market’s Sunday 8:30am-12:30pm slot mirrors many local farmers market hours that prioritize weekend mornings for fresh shopping.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Hawkes Bay farmers market open every Sunday?

Yes, the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market operates every Sunday from 8:30am to 12:30pm at Waikoko Gardens, Tōmoana Showgrounds, Hastings. The market runs year-round, rain or shine.

Where to park at Tomoana Showgrounds?

The Tōmoana Showgrounds has on-site parking available. The venue is located on Kenilworth Road, Hastings, approximately five minutes from the Hastings city centre. Parking is free for market visitors.

Does the market run on public holidays?

The market maintains its regular Sunday schedule throughout the year. Check the official market website or Hastings District Council events calendar for specific holiday dates, as some exceptions may apply during major holidays.

What payment methods are accepted?

While two ATMs are available on-site (under the gazebo and inside the Grandstand), many vendors now accept contactless card payments. Carrying some cash is still recommended for smaller purchases from individual stalls.

Are dogs allowed at the market?

Yes, dogs are welcome at the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market. The venue is family-friendly and cycle accessible with accessible facilities available.

How do I contact the market manager?

The Market Manager can be reached at 027 697 3737 or via email for inquiries. Lost and found items are handled at the information stall during market hours.

Is there live music at the market?

The market periodically features live music and special events throughout the year. Check the Hastings District Council events calendar for upcoming market events with entertainment.

What makes it the largest farmers’ market in New Zealand?

With over twenty years of operation and thousands of weekly visitors, the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market is recognized by Hawke’s Bay NZ as one of the oldest and largest farmers’ markets in the country.

Bottom line: The Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market at Tōmoana Showgrounds is New Zealand’s oldest and largest Sunday market, running 8:30am–12:30pm weekly since the early 2000s. Locals and visitors who plan ahead—arriving early, bringing cash, and knowing what they want—get the best haul. Those expecting supermarket prices should adjust expectations: you’re paying for provenance, freshness, and the experience of buying direct from the people who grew it.

There’s nothing fresher or finer than a barrow load of food from the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Markets!

— Havelock North Holiday Park

Treat yourself on a Sunday morning, good coffee, wonderful food choices for breakfast and quality produce to take home.

— TripAdvisor Reviewer (TripAdvisor)