Looking for a market this weekend in Kerikeri?
The Packhouse Market is open every Saturday (9am-4pm) and Sunday (9am-2pm) - just a 2-minute drive from Kerigold Chalets!
Quick Navigation
Essential Info
- Location: 505 Kerikeri Road
- Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
- Sunday: 9:00am - 2:00pm
- Parking: Free on-site parking
- Payment: Most vendors accept cards
- Phone: (09) 407 9514
The Packhouse Market is Kerikeri's premier weekend shopping destination and one of the Bay of Islands' most beloved attractions. Housed in a charming, character-filled historic packhouse building, this indoor market offers a carefully curated collection of over 40 artisan crafts, gourmet food stalls, and unique gifts in a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.
As a Kerikeri local who visits almost every weekend, I can tell you that The Packhouse Market has become an essential part of our community's identity since opening in 2010. Whether you're a Northland resident or visitor wondering "what market is on in Kerikeri this weekend," The Packhouse offers a reliable, all-weather shopping experience every Saturday (9am-4pm) and Sunday (9am-2pm), just 2 minutes from Kerigold Chalets.
What makes this market special is its commitment to authentic, locally-made products that you won't find in chain stores. From Northland honey and handcrafted jewelry to Bay of Islands artwork and artisan foods, The Packhouse showcases the best of our region's creative talent. It's where locals go for unique gifts and visitors discover the true essence of Kerikeri's artisan community.
About The Packhouse Market
The Packhouse Market has established itself as a must-visit destination in Kerikeri, combining a vibrant market atmosphere with a touch of local charm:
The Packhouse Experience
- Indoor Setting: Enjoy all-weather shopping in a characterful converted packhouse building
- Permanent Stalls: Over 40 carefully selected vendors offering quality products
- Local Focus: Supporting Bay of Islands artisans and entrepreneurs
- Year-Round Operation: Open every weekend, making it perfect for reliable weekend plans
Visitor Information
Best Times to Visit
- Morning (9:00-11:00am): Quieter browsing, freshest food items
- Midday (11:00am-1:00pm): Lively atmosphere, perfect for lunch at the café
- Afternoon (1:00-4:00pm Saturday/1:00-2:00pm Sunday): More relaxed shopping experience
How to Get There
The Packhouse Market is conveniently located just outside Kerikeri's town center:
- Address: 505 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri 0230
- From Kerigold Chalets: 2-minute drive (1.2 km)
- From Kerikeri Town Center: 5-minute drive (3.2 km)
- From Paihia: 25-minute drive (23 km)
Look for the distinctive building with ample parking on Kerikeri Road.
What to Buy at The Packhouse Market
The Packhouse Market is renowned for its carefully curated selection of high-quality products:
Market Highlights
Artisan Crafts
- Handcrafted jewelry featuring local materials
- Pottery and ceramics by Bay of Islands artists
- Wooden crafts and unique homewares
- Handmade clothing and accessories
- Local art and photography
Gourmet Food Products
- Artisan preserves, jams, and chutneys
- Locally produced honey and bee products
- Northland olive oils and specialty condiments
- Handcrafted chocolates and sweet treats
- Boutique wines and craft beverages
Unique Gifts and Souvenirs
- New Zealand-made skincare and wellness products
- Locally designed homeware and décor
- Premium quality souvenirs and gifts
- Eco-friendly and sustainable products
Featured Vendors (Updated March 2025)
As a Kerikeri local who visits The Packhouse regularly, here are my top vendor recommendations for 2025:
- Nikau Bay Artisan Jewelry: Sarah's stunning handcrafted pieces incorporate local paua shell, kauri, and Bay of Islands-inspired designs (Located near the main entrance)
- Northland Manuka Gold: James and Emma's award-winning UMF 15+ manuka honey from their Pungaere Road hives - don't miss their new macadamia honey blend! (Central aisle, stall 12)
- Kerikeri Clay Collective: Beautiful handmade pottery by local artists featuring distinctive glazes inspired by Northland landscapes (Back corner, stall 28)
- Rainbow Falls Preserves: Maria's small-batch jams and chutneys using seasonal fruits from local orchards - the feijoa and ginger jam is a must-try! (Food section, stall 7)
- Kauri Coast Woodworks: Mike's sustainable wooden homewares and gifts crafted from salvaged native timber (Side aisle, stall 19)
- Bay Botanicals: NEW for 2025! Handcrafted natural skincare products using ingredients grown in their Waipapa garden (Near café entrance)
Food & Drink at The Packhouse
Dining Options
The Packhouse Market isn't just for shopping—it's also a food destination:
- The Packhouse Café: On-site café serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, and homemade treats
- Specialty Food Vendors: Various stalls offering ready-to-eat gourmet options
- Coffee Cart: Premium barista-made coffee and hot beverages
- Sweet Treats: Freshly baked goods, pastries, and desserts
The café area provides a perfect spot to relax between shopping, with indoor and outdoor seating available.
Local Favorites
- The café's famous cheese scones
- Fresh fruit smoothies
- Gourmet pies and savory pastries
- Locally roasted coffee
- Artisan ice cream (summer months)
Local Tips for Visiting The Packhouse Market
Making the Most of Your Visit
- Plan Your Visit: Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore all areas
- Payment Options: Most vendors accept cards, but some smaller stalls may prefer cash
- Bring Your Own Bag: Support sustainability by bringing reusable shopping bags
- Chat with Vendors: Many are the makers themselves and love sharing their stories
- Special Events: Check their social media for seasonal events and demonstrations
"The Packhouse Market is a must-visit in Kerikeri! Such a great variety of local crafts and delicious food. We go every weekend when staying at Kerigold Chalets."
"Loved browsing the unique stalls at The Packhouse. Found perfect gifts to take home and the café serves excellent coffee. A highlight of our Northland trip!"
Insider's Guide: Local Secrets About The Packhouse Market
As a Kerikeri resident who has been visiting The Packhouse Market almost every weekend since it opened, here are some insider tips you won't find in the tourist guides:
Local's Secrets for The Packhouse Market
- Hidden Parking: While the main lot fills quickly, there's additional overflow parking behind the building that many visitors miss. Enter from the second driveway and follow the gravel path.
- Best Coffee Timing: The café line gets very long around 10:30am-11:30am. Go before 10am or after 12:30pm for quicker service.
- Vendor Discounts: Many vendors offer small discounts for regular customers or at the end of Sunday trading. Don't be afraid to ask politely if there are any specials!
- Weekly Rotation: About 20% of the stalls rotate seasonally. Check the small blackboard by the entrance for "New This Week" vendors.
- Local Events: The Packhouse occasionally hosts evening markets during summer and special holiday events. Check their Facebook page for "Twilight Market" announcements.
- Seasonal Specialties: Visit during different seasons for unique offerings - citrus preserves in winter, strawberry products in spring, stone fruit specialties in summer, and feijoa treats in autumn.
2025 Market Highlights
New for 2025, The Packhouse Market has introduced several enhancements:
- Artisan Demonstrations: Every second Saturday features live demonstrations from local craftspeople (pottery throwing, weaving, etc.) in the central area
- Children's Corner: A new dedicated area near the café where kids can enjoy craft activities while parents shop
- Digital Payment Options: All vendors now accept major cards, and many offer Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Sustainability Initiative: New recycling stations and a "bring your own container" discount program at food stalls
The Packhouse Market Location
The Packhouse Market is located at 505 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri:
Where to Stay Near The Packhouse Market
Make the most of your Kerikeri market weekend by staying at Kerigold Chalets. Our location offers:
- Just 2 minutes' drive to The Packhouse Market
- Fully equipped kitchens to prepare meals using your market purchases
- Private chalets set in tranquil orchards
- Central location to explore other Kerikeri attractions
- Advice from hosts who know the local market scene well
Our guests love making The Packhouse Market part of their weekend routine during their stay!