The 4 Best Sunday Markets in Christchurch You Shouldn’t Miss Every Weekend
David Sims
| Last Updated: April 2025 Imagine this: It’s Sunday, and you have nothing productive to do after doing your laundry. You’re bored scrolling through your phone, looking at things you don’t want to see. You want to go outside but don’t know where to head. An annoying situation, right?
If you can relate to that situation, this blog is definitely for you. I was once like that until I figured out an enjoyable fix—Sunday markets.
These lively markets offer everything you’ll need to make the most of a lazy Sunday. Outdoor shopping with a wide range of inexpensive items, a free live band if you’re lucky, and other entertaining things. What more can you ask for?
So, if you’re tired of wasting your Sundays indoors, here are the top Sunday markets in Christchurch to explore!
1. The Riccarton Sunday Market
Media credit: riccartonmarket
Website: https://www.riccartonmarket.co.nz/
Address: 165 Racecourse Road, Broomfield
Contact Details: +64 3 339 0011
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Pricing: $
There’s something for everyone and everything for someone in The Riccarton Sunday Market, Christchurch’s biggest outdoor market that boasts over 200 stalls. Some products in their stalls are produce, furniture, and prepared foods.
I really like this market’s wide choice of secondhand items. This is my go-to place when I’ve run out of books to read. I can’t count how many pre-loved books I’ve bought since the very first time I came here. No matter the genre, chances are you’ll find it.
If I love secondhand stuff here, my mum loves the kitchenware stalls. She actually bought some of our pans, measuring cups, and baking sheets here.
Pro Tip:
Check their website to see the complete list of stalls in the market with details about their products.
2. Encraftment Market
Media credit: encraftment
Website: https://www.encraftmentmarket.com/
Address: 75 Lyttelton Street, Somerfield
Operating Hours:
- Saturday and Sunday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pricing: $
Encraftment Market is a well-known craft market in town where you can score local handmade products.
They only run twice a year: two days during winter and another two days during the Christmas season. As a Christchurch local, I’m telling you not to miss out on this market.
What I love most about this market is that there’s no room for loneliness anytime you come. All you can feel here is the contagious joy of the many people around you.
When it comes to products, I like the customisations most stalls offer when you’re buying. This makes them sell crafts that are distinctive from each other.
Pro Tip:
To avoid inconvenience, visit as early as possible because parking spaces can be filled quickly.
3. South Christchurch Farmers’ Market
Media credit: coffeeskillsnz
Address: South Christchurch Library
Contact Details: +64 22 619 8430
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Pricing: $
South Christchurch Farmers’ Market is the best market for local and fresh organic produce in town. Here, you can find many seasonal fruits that have been harvested right in the stall owners’ backyards. You can call it the most real growers’ market.
I’m always my grandma’s chaperone every time she goes here. This is where she buys our (mostly hers) fruit needs, such as apples, oranges, and watermelons (the only fruit I love to eat).
I thought my grandma was just friendly, so almost all the store owners where she usually buys are her friends. But as time went on, I saw that every stall owner in this market was truly friendly. It didn’t matter if you were their regular or not.
Pro Tip:
Visit as early as possible to get the freshest produce possible (or to get anything at all).
4. Shabby Chic Market Day
Media credit: lavender_vacation
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shabbychicmarketday
Address: 21 Connal Street, Woolston
Operating Hours:
- First Sunday of the month – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Pricing: $
Shabby Chic Market Day is a once-every-month vintage market that has been operating in town since 2009 without fail. They run every first Sunday of the month and usually house occasional stallholders. They do this to give opportunities to as many local businesses as possible.
If you’re an old item collector, you should absolutely visit this market. You’ll find antique collectibles like flower bases and plates with elegant designs.
We went here three times, as my mum and dad wanted eye-pleasing plates they could display at home. What I really love every time we go is the setting of this market. It’s located in an old historic villa with a lovely garden, which always gives me a yesteryear vibe.
Pro Tip:
Note that this is a cash-only market, meaning all stalls don’t accept electronic payments. Bring more than enough money to make sure you can buy everything you want.
