At the time of writing, Parklands Fruit & Vege are closed for two weeks to renovate their shop…read more Because they are such awesome people they have made little flyers to put in the bags to let everyone know. I know my household is not the only one who will miss them but they do get mad busy sometimes so I imagine their flash new shop will be worth the wait. The thing I love about this place is mainly the fact that the family that run it are so friendly and hardworking. I also know that anything I buy from here will be good - if it's not perfectly fresh and tasty, they don't sell it. Everyone has had those times with the bad bag of kiwifruit or floury apples or whatever, but if that happened here they would be so embarrassed and no doubt give you your money back. It's that kind of place; they CARE. The pricing is excellent and I've seen them help people carry their stuff to the car, give free pieces of fruit to cute littlies and genuinely be a cornerstone to the Balmoral community - it's like the pub for busy mums; if I haven't seen someone in a while, odds are I will run into them here.

This fruit shop would have to be the best fruit shop I've ever shopped at. The service there is…read moreimpeccable. The staff are all family based and each person greets you with a smile when you enter the store. Every time I go there, I am never disappointed. The fruit and vegetables there are always fresh and I can always trust that what I buy is of top quality. Everything there is top quality. Everything from the service, to the products is top notch. This shop has been here since I was a kid. It is one of the only establishments that make Balmoral what it is. Incredibly fresh fruit and a lively store run by a lovely family.

Yes Nosh in Matakana is not the discount supermarket, however the supermarket for the foodie who…read moreknows there food. If you're passing through Matakana Village or perhaps spending a weekend up the coast close to Matakana why not give yourself a big splurge with fresh and packaged gourmet food. I was in the mood to do some cooking, and thought I would get some courgettes which were tempting me from the outside stand for my stir fry. Once inside, I just wanted to grab a whole bunch of moreish foods just because. My reason got the better of me, and I decided on a few loaves of Coupland's Bakery pre packed sliced bread, a container of deli olives and and the courgettes. They have a really neat variety of products from all around the world, so really an international food shopping experience. You must be warned that after a few chosen pieces from Nosh your bill does add up fast, so make sure you know your budget because you may just splurge without realizing.

A splendid place to get all your delicatessen and gourmet food needs. A great cheese and small…read moregoods selection, excellent dry goods like pastas and canned/jar foods, a nice variety of fruits and vegetables and helpful friendly service. If you need food items that are exotic or gourmet, or your taste buds need a tickle, this is the best place to find it when you are in the Matakana/Omaha/Leigh and Snells Beach area. A true Matakana gem.

WOW!!! What a market!…read more Produce, dairy, pies, eggs, cheese, plants, fish, breads, olive oils, sweets, savories, liqueur, beer, knife/scissor sharpener, etc. etc. etc. All first class from friendly people, at fair prices. I will be back in two weeks and will have a light breakfast at home so I can enjoy the hot foods here for an early lunch. Best to arrive by 10am. Parking is a couple of blocks away.

Right. Now I see why so many Aucklander's have packed their bags and settled an hour North -…read moregorgeous beaches (Omaha, Tawharanui and Snells to name a few) , a laid-back lifestyle and this absolute gem of a market! Full of fresh, locally grown produce, there's everything here from cashew nut butters, to buffalo meat, to fresh figs (if you come after March, that is) as well as gorgeous flowers. Not too mention the options for breakfast/lunch are plentiful! Although we'd heard the croque monsieur was a must, we just couldn't go past the buffalo burger served in a fresh bun with lettuce, tomato, melted buffalo pecorino and beetroot relish. So so juicy! To finish we popped around the corner for a simple lemon and sugar crepe. Oh and we may or may not have got a fresh strawberry ice cream to share on the way out.... Well worth the 40 min drive from the North Shore. Matakana, we will be back soon! p.s no dogs allowed but they have dog sitters by the entrance who, for a gold coin, will look after your pooch whilst you roam around the market!

I popped into visit this organic farm while I was out for a run one day in the area and wanted to…read morecheck it out. I spoke to someone working out the front who directed me to the manager who was more than happy to talk to me about the farm and what they grow there. You can buy vegetables on-site or they also sell their produce at a farmers' market. He was preparing for a meeting at the time but offered to show me around the farm if I was able to come another time. As well as a range of organic vegetables they also have free range eggs and lamb. I have also since found out that Hamlin Farm provides work opportunities for people who have experienced mental illness and assisting their transition into the workforce. Awesome.