The Wanaka Artisan Market has been running for well over a decade, and the tradition of heading to the market on a Thursday afternoon to buy from local sellers and chat with other market regulars is now well established. 

The market’s stalls grow and contract with the seasons, but on any given Thursday you could find a range of delicacies from fresh roasted nuts to seasonal vegetables, and kefir to sweet treats. 

It also provides an opportunity for local artists to sell their work: there’s jewellery, scented soaps, paintings, ceramics and more.

It’s not hard to see why the social scene, set under a shady tree near Bullock Creek, is so popular. 

The market is all about supporting local - it’s motto is ‘for locals, by locals’ - and organisers say there’s never been a better time to do that than right now. 

The market, formed in 2007, features local handmade items.

Organisers hope locals will once again get involved with the annual Christmas eve market held on Pembroke Park - it’s consistently the most popular market of the year. 

“The market has always been a great place for locals to try something new, give crafting a go, sell their seedlings, garden produce and new foodie creations,” market committee chair Samantha Stout said. 

Organisers also hope locals will get crafty and have a stall. People who are interested can email [email protected] for more information.

The market brings together locals every Thursday.

“Locals have always supported the Thursday markets and we want to say thanks by opening our doors on the busiest market day of the year and give people an opportunity to sell items they have made,” Samantha said. 

The Christmas Eve market is a relatively new addition to local markets, having started three years ago. 

The weekly market began way back in 2007, formed as a way to provide a venue for local gardeners and producers to grow a village style market. 

It started as the Wanaka Farmers and Gardeners Market before changing its name on its tenth anniversary in 2017 to better reflect the diversity of its offerings.

Today, the Wanaka Artisan Market is still one of only a handful around New Zealand that runs every week. 

Support Wanaka’s local market this Christmas Eve at Pembroke Park, 9am to 3pm.

PHOTOS: Supplied