Yes Nosh in Matakana is not the discount supermarket, however the supermarket for the foodie who…read moreknows there food. If you're passing through Matakana Village or perhaps spending a weekend up the coast close to Matakana why not give yourself a big splurge with fresh and packaged gourmet food. I was in the mood to do some cooking, and thought I would get some courgettes which were tempting me from the outside stand for my stir fry. Once inside, I just wanted to grab a whole bunch of moreish foods just because. My reason got the better of me, and I decided on a few loaves of Coupland's Bakery pre packed sliced bread, a container of deli olives and and the courgettes. They have a really neat variety of products from all around the world, so really an international food shopping experience. You must be warned that after a few chosen pieces from Nosh your bill does add up fast, so make sure you know your budget because you may just splurge without realizing.

A splendid place to get all your delicatessen and gourmet food needs. A great cheese and small…read moregoods selection, excellent dry goods like pastas and canned/jar foods, a nice variety of fruits and vegetables and helpful friendly service. If you need food items that are exotic or gourmet, or your taste buds need a tickle, this is the best place to find it when you are in the Matakana/Omaha/Leigh and Snells Beach area. A true Matakana gem.

'Super Sausages' says the sign outside, and they sure are super! Former All Black Glen Osbourne now…read moreowns the butchery in Matakana, and he sure does a damn good sausage. I was lucky enough to be given a packet of sausages free of charge one evening, because he was closing up - now that's a good local butcher! Our BBQ has been supplied all summer by the Matakana Butcher; steak, chops, chicken kebabs...all fresh and pretty good value. He also does a MEAN lamb roast for Sundays. Many people prefer the convenience of supermarket meat, but at least you know with a local butcher you're not getting something mega mass produced. It's also sourced locally, which is got to be better for everyone!

At Taste it's all about the kitchen. It's well stocked; everything from Scanpan pots and pans,…read moredesigner glassware, a big range of Maxwell and Williams to quirky aprons and oven mitts. They have a great baking section, with loads of decoration tools. They also do a brilliant range of kiwi cookbooks. Because it is designer, it is on the pricier side, but I've always found it perfect for gifts. They also do a great gourmet food range of sauces and dips. My Uncle loved the Tamarillo jelly we gave him for Christmas; he used it for pork glazing, yummo! It's a large, well laid out store...the kind you just pop into but then manage to spend 30mins browsing in.

WOW!!! What a market!…read more Produce, dairy, pies, eggs, cheese, plants, fish, breads, olive oils, sweets, savories, liqueur, beer, knife/scissor sharpener, etc. etc. etc. All first class from friendly people, at fair prices. I will be back in two weeks and will have a light breakfast at home so I can enjoy the hot foods here for an early lunch. Best to arrive by 10am. Parking is a couple of blocks away.

Right. Now I see why so many Aucklander's have packed their bags and settled an hour North -…read moregorgeous beaches (Omaha, Tawharanui and Snells to name a few) , a laid-back lifestyle and this absolute gem of a market! Full of fresh, locally grown produce, there's everything here from cashew nut butters, to buffalo meat, to fresh figs (if you come after March, that is) as well as gorgeous flowers. Not too mention the options for breakfast/lunch are plentiful! Although we'd heard the croque monsieur was a must, we just couldn't go past the buffalo burger served in a fresh bun with lettuce, tomato, melted buffalo pecorino and beetroot relish. So so juicy! To finish we popped around the corner for a simple lemon and sugar crepe. Oh and we may or may not have got a fresh strawberry ice cream to share on the way out.... Well worth the 40 min drive from the North Shore. Matakana, we will be back soon! p.s no dogs allowed but they have dog sitters by the entrance who, for a gold coin, will look after your pooch whilst you roam around the market!

Restaurant and menus are little confusing. It is like 3 places mixed in one which worked out for…read moremy partner and I - bar-ish foods, viet food, and also ice cream. It was very busy with the 3 places in one so there was little seating space, so we just ordered take out. They quoted a 20 minute wait so we went across the street to order a drink but it was ready in much less time than quoted (approx 10 min). My partner ordered fish and chips and I got the lemongrass chili chicken on vermicelli. My partner thought the fish and chips wasn't bad and I enjoyed the flavor of the fish sauce on the vermicelli but the chicken was a little dry.

Viet Q Foods brings a bit of international flavour to the Matakana Farmers markets every Saturday…read moremorning. Vegetarian, prawn, and pork/ prawn rice rolls are made freshly in the morning down the road from the market, and are sold with either oyster or fish sauce. The herbs in the rolls especially make these a taste of Vietnam, as they are Vietnamese herbs grown by the friendly business owners themselves as they are very difficult to find usually in New Zealand. Pork steamed buns are also available, and all the meat used in the fare is free farmed or free range. Viet Q Foods offer cooking classes if you are keen to learn how to make your own, or alternatively catering services if you want a taste of Vietnam at your next event.

The Honey Merchant is the most delicious smelling store in Matakana. Tucked away behind the main…read moreroad this little store hides. When I visited it was a little empty, but this was because their exports had been so high recently. You can see why they are successful, the honey is beautiful. I tried the Manuka blend and it was so good I took the jar home for $36. Afterwards I looked back thinking it was a bit of a silly purchase, but the jar is still going and everyone in the house loves it. They also do a lush cosmetics range. The body wash set went down a treat with nana and they do some high end natural skin care which I'll try once I'm a high roller

Another favourite stand at the Matakana Village Farmers' Market is Ringawera. You may recognise the…read morename as co-owner, Patrick Griffiths, originally ran Ringawera Bakery on Waiheke Island, where he lived for the past 18 years. The shop closed two years ago as Patrick was looking for a new challenge, and thus, early 2018, he opened Ringawera Cafe in Matakana - next to Morris and James art gallery. In October last year, Patrick started selling his freshly baked breads at the Matakana Village Farmers' Market. Look out for the rows and rows of pastries, croissants, beautiful breads, and baskets of baguettes as you enter the market - they are the first stall on the left. It is definitely the most well-presented stand in my opinion! His ciabatta and sourdough are my favourite breads to purchase at the market. Side note: Patrick has also opened Ringawera Bakery on Matakana Valley Road, just above the Matakana Village Farmers' Market All of his breads are baked onsite, from scratch and use quality ingredients. The smell is heavenly when you walk into his shop. You will find all of their freshly baked breads - sourdough, ciabatta (try the mini rolls!), foccacia and mixed grain loaves, plus piping hot Ozone Coffee, pastries, croissants, brioche and generously filled sandwiches to go. They also make some of the best hot cross buns!

Love Shack coffee stall at the Matakana Farmers Market (every Saturday) and Matakana Indie Markets…read morewhich is every third Sunday of the month is the only spot to enjoy a delicious brewed cup of coffee while enjoying time at the artisan markets. Superbly crafted cups of coffee based on international sourced top grade beans. Not only do they sell amazing coffee to go, but also packaged coffee to take home and keep enjoying. The food is also delicious, my partner let me have a sample of his BLT, the bread was divine, a type of wholesome Turkish flat bread, with lots of bacon, aioli and yummy fresh lettuce. If you are after something sweet, they have muffins, biscuits and slices to entice. The first time I tried Love shack coffee I was impressed by the flavour and aroma and this impression has stayed with me over the years. I know they are a super busy stand at the markets, and well respected in the community.

Love Shack Coffee is one of the busiest stalls at the Matakana Farmers Market, the line for coffee…read moreoften spills out the entrance. The reason; it's damn good. The Mochachino is my choice of poison, some may argue that's not a 'real' coffee, but they're wrong. Anyway Love Shack do a lovely Mocha. You don't just have to wait until Saturday for your Love Shack fix either, they have been open every day during the summer. A mid week visit is nearly the complete opposite of a Saturday. The markets are empty and it's dead quiet and peaceful. There are some lovely outdoor chairs to relax into, it's a good place to sit for a chat