To Market, To Market Holidaymakers Should Go

Explore Rotorua’s Legendary Markets This Summer

ROTORUA, Wednesday 14th December 2011: A series of top quality markets have now firmly established themselves in Rotorua and are an ideal family outing to enjoy these summer holidays.

Meandering through market stalls and sampling the very best local produce, arts and crafts is a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend time together and pick up goods which you won’t find anywhere else.

Destination Rotorua Marketing interim General Manager Tania Bui says Rotorua now boasts three substantial weekly markets – all with unique points of difference – which will keep the family entertained for hours.

Kuirau Park Flea Market
“Kuirau Park Flea Market operates every Saturday morning and is the number one place for fresh fruit and vegetables. It’s the perfect place to stock up on local produce and meet the growers face-to-face,” she says.

This traditional flea market features a wide variety of other goods and all proceeds are distributed by Rotary North Rotorua to local charities throughout the region. “And when you’re done browsing the stalls, you can get a close-up look at the city’s famous geothermal activity,” Bui adds.

“Kuirau Park is full of bubbling mud pools, steaming holes, crater lakes and sulphur vents. There are even two hot springs where visitors can soak their feet! This thermal paradise also has a wonderful playground for children and is located right next to Rotorua’s CBD.”

Soundshell Market
The city’s Soundshell Market has a long-established reputation, having been operating on Rotorua’s sunny lakefront for over 23 years. They are open every weekend from 9am until 3pm and entry is free.

This market has both indoor and outdoor stalls where carefully handcrafted articles (from both New Zealand and overseas) are for sale alongside popular collectables, plants, foods and beverages.

“Among the items for sale are woodware, pottery, art and pictures, greenstone, jewellery, books, belts, paua creations, clothing, natural medicinal creams, knitwear and crotchet, bone carvings and patchwork,” Bui says.

“And for those who love collecting special items, there are stalls selling vinyl records, pottery, porcelain, glassware and crystal, small furniture and toys - big and small - all at affordable prices.”

Rotorua’s Thursday Night Market
Finally, Rotorua’s Thursday Night Market offers a unique shopping and social experience. The heart of Tutanekai Street between Haupapa and Pukuatua Streets is closed to traffic every Thursday from 5pm and the area is transformed into a vibrant market and alfresco meeting place.

This market has quickly become a focal point for thousands of Rotorua’s visitors and locals who can indulge in high-end gourmet foods, savour a selection of wine, boutique beers, and handcrafted cheese.

Bui says the night market gives people the chance to taste authentic Artisan products, honeys, preserves, oil, chutney and jams and a variety of ethnic eateries with flavours from around the world such as French patisseries, handmade Italian pasta, Indian and of course Rotorua’s local kai.

“See, smell and taste fresh seasonal fare, buy your flowers and enjoy freshly brewed coffee with a selection of stunning desserts and cakes while being entertained by a variety of performers,” Bui says.

“You can also be inspired by the array of local art – there is everything from weaving to internationally-acclaimed glass works. The market is a great opportunity to chat with interior designers and jewellers who produce pacific-style retro, chic, vintage and kiwiana fabrics, accessories and home wares.”
Permanent LED street lighting and crisp white peaked canopies above the market stalls make this an attractive destination to spend a few hours with family and friends.

“Visiting Rotorua’s markets this summer is a great way to appreciate our New Zealand lifestyle and all that this country has to offer,” Bui says. Next time you’re passing through the city, pick up some fresh market produce and try your hand at the recipe below.

Kuirau Market Fish and Vege Stir Fry
Delicious, easy to prepare, quick to cook and healthy. Serves two. Serve with Basmati or Jasmine rice.

Ingredients
Fresh fish 500gm (tarakihi), dessert spoon cold pressed virgin coconut oil, knob of ginger, 2 garlic cloves, 1 long red chilli, small red onion, 1 fennel bulb, 1 bunch choy sum, 2 teaspoons kawakawa salt, half cup fresh coriander, dash of tamari, splash of viognier (or other white wine), juice of half a lemon.
Preparation
Slice fish, chop ginger, garlic, chilli (taking out most of seeds), and red onion. Slice fennel bulb (cut off ends and core if woody). Chop choy sum stems into small rounds and leaves creatively. Chop coriander roughly.
How to cook
Melt coconut oil in cast iron fry pan or similar. At moderate heat throw in kawakawa salt, fennel, choy sum and red onion. Stir fry 2 minutes. Add ginger, garlic, chilli and fish. Mix through and stir fry for another minute. Add white wine and tamari. Stir through and cook for a minute or until fish just turns white. Add coriander and lemon juice, mix through. Cover with lid and turn off heat. Rest a minute. Serve in bowls on top of fluffy rice.

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