Whanganui River Markets is a weekly Saturday market held on the historic site of early Māori trading, with the Whanganui River as its backdrop. It has two sides. The Farmers Market section has more than 100 stalls of local food producers, fruit and vegetables, while the River Traders area holds vintage and retro sellers, makers of art and traditional crafts, plants and street food. Customers say the range of stalls is very good, with plenty of crafts and homemade products, and one visit had a brass band playing. Crepes come up often, and families say there are options for both adults and children. People also bring their pets along to walk around the stalls.
The market is in the same area as the Whanganui i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, so visitors can get local advice nearby. The market's own guide points visitors to the riverboats, which it calls the most authentic way to see the river's scenery. One passenger described the two-hour ride as relaxing and peaceful, with rowing crews out on the water and jet boats going past. Our pick in Whanganui for a Saturday out with the family.