Manakau Market

Like a shining, burger and ice cream-filled oasis on this stretch of SH1, Manakau Market is a welcome sight for weary souls travelling through the Horowhenua district. For this isn’t just your usual produce market, it’s the ultimate foodie pitstop that will nourish you in more ways than one.

What began in 1969 as a source of garden-fresh fruit and vegetables has now grown into a bold, modern food hub. Like any good Kiwi roadside stop, it’s relaxed and unpretentious here, with simple timber shelving brimming with seasonal produce and labels scrawled by hand. Part produce market and part cafe, the space is complemented by a garden seating area where you can linger over your food in the dappled shade.

As expected, the offerings here combine the best of fresh local produce with tantalising comfort food that will rival that of any burger joint in town. In addition to fruit, vegetables, eggs, and local pantry items, you can enjoy the Market’s legendary smash burgers, which have a reputation spanning the wider Wellington region. Buns are baked on-site, and the team grinds their own meat patties for that homemade taste that just hits right. As if that weren’t enough, you’ll also find a rotating range of pizzas, wings, loaded chips, wraps, slices, and cakes on the menu. Top it all off with a smoothie, that quintessential Kiwi roadie classic, real fruit ice-cream, and Dark Horse coffee.

Smash burgers and fresh fruit might not be the most natural mix, but Manakau Market has been pulling it off for generations. Just ask the locals and the travellers from near and far, who return time and time again to stay well-fed on the road.