Since first opening its doors ten more than ten years ago the Remarkables Market has grown and expanded into the largest outdoor market in Central Otago.

Each season the thriving marketplace attracts new and returning stallholders to the distinctive Red Barn close to the Remarkables Park town centre. 

Manager Sherryn Smith says the market is a special experience for market goers.

“This season we have over 70 stallholders each week selling an array of fresh local fruit, flowers, vegetables, produce, plants, arts and crafts. Added to this is a wonderful selection of freshly baked goods, hot and cold food stalls, take-out coffee and juice and artisan producers of meat, seafood, cheese, olive oil, chutneys, sauces and other delicious foods.”

Open every Saturday from October 2 until Easter Saturday (April 14 2022) she says the Remarkables Market is a highlight on the weekly social calendar and a popular place for locals to catch up with friends, families and the community at large.

“There is always a crowd who like to arrive early for breakfast and coffees and peruse the stalls first thing, followed by a steady stream of people throughout the day who like to buy lunch or afternoon tea while shopping. The playground area is a relaxing hub for those with young children, with picnic tables and space to hang out and we have musicians playing live music each week to add to the social atmosphere – it’s fun.”

Sherryn says people are welcome to bring their dogs along to the weekly market.

“We run a ‘dog of the day’ competition on Facebook which has garnered a lot of followers with the chosen dog receiving some treats to enjoy at the next market day.”

With plenty of free parking available beside the market’s four entranceways, the Remarkables Market is an important attraction for both locals and visitors to the region.

Zero waste mission

The Remarkables Market is on a mission to promote zero waste protocols amongst its regular attendees and regional visitors to the popular Saturday morning marketplace.

Market manager Sherryn Smith says this year New Leaf Refills, a Queenstown based company offering low waste shopping with refill options, is one of the important initiatives.

“They offer free delivery around the basin and are one of the many stall holders who support our drive for zero waste. We are continually focusing on sustainability because we recognise the importance and responsibility we have in this space.”

The market reinforces its zero-waste messaging by encouraging people to bring their own keep cups, reusable cups, plates, bowls and containers for take-out food and drink options.

“Small actions repeated can often lead to a big change,” says Sherryn. “We are working towards minimising waste by offering recycling bins around the site and we encourage stall holders to carry signage that reinforce these messages.”