Aucklanders are well served when it comes to markets, both in variety and geographical spread. Much to my embarrassment, despite having lived in Auckland for 13 years I’ve visited very few of them. My challenge to myself this year is to remedy that.

One market I have visited (more than once even), purely by virtue of it being close to home, is the Avondale Market. Held at Avondale Racecourse, Avondale Market has been running since the early 1970′s, and averages 15,000 to 20,000 visitors most Sundays.

All the things you’d expect to find at a market are there, from second-hand clothes to handmade arts and crafts, bric-a-brac to natural remedies, small clothing labels to cheap imported tickety-tack.

Avondale Market’s strength, however, lies in its fresh produce. The sheer number of stalls selling fruit and vegetables is almost overwhelming, and the multicultural nature of Avondale Market is evident in the produce on offer – next to the potatoes and carrots you’ll find gorgeous Asian greens, fresh coconuts, taro and plenty more, including a few things you may not be able to identify. Once you’ve seen the quality, prices and range of produce on offer you’ll wonder why you ever bought your fruit and veg from the supermarket.

During the hotter months it pays to do your shopping at the market as early as possible in the day – once the temperature rises and the humidity sets in being jammed amongst those crowds can start to feel a little like being in a sauna with the temperature turned up and all the exits blocked.

Avondale Markets run from 6am to midday every Sunday at the Avondale Racecourse. Carparking is available at the racecourse for $3.00, watch your step as you walk through the carpark, sometimes the horses have ‘been’ there before you.