Takapuna Beach Sunday Market

One of Auckland's longest-running community markets, held every Sunday morning of the year in Waiwharariki Anzac Square, a block back from the sand at Takapuna Beach. It is the North Shore's biggest weekly farmers' market: growers with the week's fruit and vegetables, bread and pastries, flowers by the bucket, honey and preserves, and a run of makers selling craft, jewellery and secondhand finds. Food trucks and coffee carts sit along one side, and there are tables and grass to eat on, so a wander through the stalls turns into breakfast without much planning. It suits small children well — the square is flat, level and closed to traffic, the crowd moves slowly, and there is usually music playing somewhere in it. Many stalls take cash only, and the beach and its playground are a two-minute walk away when the shopping is done.