How could I give a supermarket five stars?!…read more To start with, when I first walked in, I thought I'd got the wrong place. There are these stunning bright red chandeliers set over a large dining table just to the side of the main entrance. Then I realised this was just a rather different supermarket shopping experience. I initially popped in just because I was in the area and in a hurry - I have closer regular supermarket. But whenever I'm around Half Moon Bay or feel like a change in the drudgery of grocery shopping, I always head in here. It's not a big barn of a place, and is actually quite small as far as supermarkets go, but it's packed with everything you'd expect from even the giant-sized competitors. I can't say how nice the shopping experience is - it's quiet enough to actually think, and the sometimes the staff greet you as you walk the aisles..! And a bonus; the sign on the door says it's locally owned and operated.

For 12 years I was happy to buy American food and things like toothpaste with peroxide and baking…read moresoda not otherwise available in NZ from Martha's. During those 12 years one of the owners frequently went to America to buy the stock. And for many years they got special orders for me. But ever since the pandemic they have lost the plot. They refused to accept special orders and their shelves rarely offer me what I want. I have repeatedly asked them to figure out a new method of getting their supplies which they refuse to do. How they stay in business is a mystery without desirable stuff to buy. They're old and no longer seem to give a damn. I find it remarkable that they stay in business. Not worth the trip.

Ever have the feeling of giddiness as an adult, that makes you say 'get ahold of yourself now?' But…read moreyou can't and your smile is ear to ear. Well that's what Martha's Backyard did to me. I was instantly hit with Americana as the doors spread open for me. No need to trouble yourself with pushing a door American, here let me automatically open for you. Star! Since the owner was clearly using her consumer... ahem marketing skills, the first sight upon entering was a stock pile of Stars & Stripes regalia. All that was needed was the Star Spangled Banner playing in the background. Independence Day is only a few days away, so stock up. Martha's Backyard which of course is a play on words, (think Martha's Vineyard) has many American culinary favorites from candies, seasonings, sauces, cereals, beverages and snacks. I walked out with Cholula, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Lawry's Seasoned Salt, a pack of Lawry's Taco seasoning, mini Butterfingers and 2 boxes of Cap'N Crunch cereal for under $40.00. Not a bad price for imported happiness.

OMG this Countdown is the biggest one I've ever been to! It is so huge and very clean and well…read moreorganized too. I loved the free parking (seems to be rare in the CBD), though it's well monitored, so if you're planning to park and ditch, be careful. I have to pee like 90% of the time, so of course I had to use the bathroom at Countdown. It was not the best bathroom experience. Someone had peed all over the seat and quite a bit on the floor as well. There was toilet paper everywhere and it looked like the bathrooms weren't kept after super well, but that is the only reason that this store got 4 stars instead of 5. They have a massive selection of health foods and even better, a HUGE selection of bulk foods. One of my 2018 goals is to reduce the amount of food packaging/waste that I create, so this was an exciting day for me! Being in the center of the city, it is a busy store, and the tills were busy. I went through the self check out which was quick, and the attendant there was nice and greeting everyone. So I wouldn't expect to get in and out of here quickly unless you are going at an odd hour. The store is great and has such a great selection of bulk - I'll totally be back here next time I'm around the city center!

It was a pretty good experience, would be a five star if only the staff had treated me politely. I…read morecouldn't find the kind of bread I usually have, so when I asked a worker to check the back they just went into the back, stood there for a second and walked out! I saw them, and they didn't even TRY to help me! I'll try a different Countdown next time, hopefully they'll be better.

This New World has a high standard, much like all the others I've visited. The prices are a little…read morehigh and there is a very limited amount of organic goods at this branch but the meat selection is definitely better than Eastridge. There is ample car parking at the front, flowers and a tiny BNZ kiosk at the entrance.

Love this New World, they have great variety of everything and their veges and fruit are of good…read morequality for a supermarket, a little bit on the pricey side but it is worth it. Their packaged meat is also nice I always go here for my meat now and its reasonably priced, I also like their dinner boxes but sometimes you go in and theres like 1 or 2 on a Monday evening etc so they must be popular but sometimes the ingredients in it are not very nice ( eg one I had had a fancy lettuce where most of it was brown) so I had to make do without that ingredient but otherwise I love it. Their fish is fresh and nice I used to go to the fish market in the CBD to get nice fish now I just go here. The self checkouts though are really touchy most times I use these its almost every single item that needs to be checked as the weight doesn't match but other than that great supermarket.

It is surprising that this dark, and slightly dingy looking, fruit and vegetable store can give…read moresuch bargains. I left this Asian shop with a bag of tomatoes and two decent sized and healthy looking eggplant for only $3.00. We arrived just as it was opening, so unfortunately trays of fruit were still being brought out into the store and I was not able to take full advantage of the bargains. Having said that, not everything was cheaper than usual, just a few things like the eggplant. Avocados were still $2. Aside from fruit and vegetables, there was a wide variety of Asian noodle, spices, drinks, herring, and other ethnic foods not normally found in supermarkets. Additionally there were your normal fresh up juices etc in the fridge. Great shop when you just need to pick up a few fresh items.

Really nice shop and has a great variety of great priced fruits and veges. I always go there on my…read morelunch time to treat myself to something :)