First farmers' market hit with locals (+video)

The City Focus was a flurry of umbrellas and raincoats as people turned up in droves for the inaugural Rotorua Farmers' Market.

Each stall was inundated with locals and tourists alike with asparagus being a particular favourite - selling out in less than an hour.

The distinctive wooden barrows were in perfect contrast to the bright tulips springing from portable wine barrels.

Grow Food Instead stall owner Rachel Yeats said they were not expecting such a large turnout.

Locals had plenty to chose from with the variety of stalls at the market. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

"We thought the weather would put people off but we were wrong, we've been completely inundated.

"We started digging the gardens in May and have been at the Tauranga market for a couple of months. We wanted to set up somewhere else so when this Farmers' Market was announced, we knew we wanted to be involved."

Other stalls included Good Life Foods selling nuts and avocados, Hungarian Artisan salami, Guidough patisserie, Pasta Mia with fresh and dried pasta, Front Paddock asparagus and Ohinemutu Women's Health League selling jams, chutneys and harakeke.

Locals Kylie Lang and Graeme Jaques said they were impressed with the stalls.

"It has the potential to be even better," Mr Jaques said.

"It's different from the markets already in Rotorua . . . We'll definitely be coming back," Ms Lang said.

Shortland St actor Lukas Whiting, right, was spotted at the market along with Brigitte Nelson and Dani Wingrave. Photo/Ben Fraser

Jaime Rolfe waited for a break in the rain before heading to the market.

"I was keen to see what it was like, I didn't know what to expect but I think it's good.

"I think it definitely fills a gap and provides something Rotorua didn't have," she said.

Rotorua Lakes Council inner city portfolio leader and councillor Karen Hunt said people had turned up in droves for the inaugural market.

"It has completely exceeded our expectations. By 8.45am it was already chocka and it hadn't even officially opened yet.

"We've been getting great feedback from people all morning, it's been fantastic."

Ms Hunt said the market would run until April when they would reassess how it was going.

"The rain hasn't stopped people coming down and to see all the families has been wonderful. It has been hugely successful."