Discover the best places to eat, drink, shop and explore in Nelson Tasman with our guide.

Nelson is a city synonymous with sunshine, the great outdoors, world-class cuisine, and creativity. Discover golden beaches, clear waters, mountaintops and lakes among a vibrant arts, beverage, and food scene. The wonderful Nelson Tasman region is an area to be treasured.

There is so much to discover in the wider Nelson Tasman region that it’s no wonder this seaside town is a favourite destination for holidaymakers and lifestyle searchers alike. While summer months are the natural time to head to this wonderland of sunshine and sandy beaches, it’s just as intriguing visiting in winter without the masses.

The compact downtown is best explored on foot and plays host to numerous interesting destinations. Find galleries exhibiting the best of the region from ceramic art to painting, glass-blowing and beyond, world-class restaurants, cafés and breweries, carefully curated boutiques, recycled fashion, and antique stores, plus an iconic Saturday market, which brings in local makers, bakers, and growers to showcase the bounty of the region.

Just beyond the city centre, the great outdoors awaits. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, water sports, or boating, it’s all within reach here. Camp by the beach, strap on a backpack, or slip on a swimsuit — there’s plenty of activities to choose from.

Whichever way you decide to explore the region, expect to be surrounded by stunning natural landscapes like nowhere else, to bathe in sunshine, wine and dine like a king, and appreciate art made by clever creatives that call the Top of the South home.

Journeys to The Mussel Inn: A Legend of New Zealand Hospitality

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It started over 30 years ago with a bare paddock and a vision; to create a space for family and friends to gather and for music to be played. Fast forward a few decades, and The Mussel Inn is one of New Zealand's most loved hospitality destinations. A pub, brewery and live music venue in Golden Bay on the way to the top of Te Waipounamu South Island.

The Best Nelson Tasman Accommodation Worth Travelling For

A view of Maitai Whare Iti cabins nestled within native bush in Nelson.
Nelson Tasman

From chic urban oases to luxe resorts and adventure-ready cabins, here’s the best Nelson Tasman accommodation to suit every style of traveller and every budget.

9 Nelson Tasman Walks and Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards

A view of a beach at the Abel Tasman from above.
Nelson Tasman

Nelson Tasman is the Top of the South’s destination for history, culture and varied natural landscape. It’s also a pretty neat part of New Zealand Aotearoa for a spot of walking and eating.

An Art and Interiors Lover's Guide to Nelson Tasman

A large exhibition space within The Suter Art Gallery in Nelson.
Nelson Tasman

Shopping for art doesn’t just have to be for a statement wall piece or stuffy painting. Items you can touch and use can be art too, and artisans across Nelson Tasman have you covered with galleries specialising in ceramics, glass and stylish homewares.

The Neat Taste Trail of Nelson Tasman

A woman about to eat a meal at a table inside Moutere Inn in  the Tasman District.
Nelson Tasman

A journey of edible delights and surprises for your tastebuds.

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The Free House

Exterior view of The Free House.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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Situated in an old church turned pub, The Free House is a true Nelson craft beer institution.

Hawker House

Staff working behind the bar at Harry's Hawker House.
Place Nelson Tasman
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A celebration of South-East Asian street food and hawker markets.

Bacca Bakery

A staff member working behind the counter in the Bacca Bakery cafe.
Place Golden Bay
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Flavour, nutrition, and affordability are the calling cards of Bacca Bakery, a two-person operation of love in Parapara.

Little Dove Cafe

Interior of the white cladded walls with a blue and orange art work on the wall.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Wholesome food and aromatic pastries inspired by the Levant—the eastern Mediterranean region encompassing Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and parts of Syria—might not be...

The Historic Langford Store & Post Office

An old looking building with products positioned out front.
Place Golden Bay
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Stepping into The Langford Store in Golden Bay is like stepping into a piece of historic Kiwiana, and immediately brings a smile to your face.

The Apple Pickers' Cottages

One of the black Apple Pickers' Cottages nestled among bushes.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Channel your inner Rita Angus and step into an idyllic piece of Nelson Tasman at The Apple Pickers’ Cottages.

Hardy St Eatery

Customers dining at Hardy St Eatery.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Celebrating honest food in all its glory is what Hardy St Eatery does best.

Sublime Roastery & Brew Bar

Barista working at Sublime Roastery and Brew Bar.
Place Nelson Tasman
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A place to appreciate coffee in its purest form.

Parker Gallery

Two woman looking at art at Parker Gallery.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Feast your eyes on one-of-a-kind pieces from New Zealand artists.

TOAD Hall Café

Exterior of Toad Hall, Motueka.
Place Nelson Tasman
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TOAD Hall Café in Motueka is one of those places you enter once by chance, and never pass up again.

Global Soap

Selection of soaps on a table at Global Soap, Nelson.
Place Nelson Tasman

Stepping in, you’ll find it hard not to pick up each colourful square placed neatly along the shelves and bring them to your nose, and even harder to walk out without a paper bag of goodies to take home.

Zappekin Artists & Allies

Studio space at Zappekin Artists & Allies, Nelson Tasman.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Zappekin Artists & Allies is a co-op of seven resident creatives formed to create community for local artists, a space to come together and work in, exhibit and collaborate in.

The Smoking Barrel

Interior view of The Smoking Barrel with people dining and old cuban car.
Place Nelson Tasman
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The Smoking Barrel is a bit of a Motueka institution. The family-owned and operated restaurant specialises in low & slow American style BBQ, statement burgers, and gourmet donuts.

flamedaisy

Woman looking around the gallery at flamedaisy.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Home of stunning hand-blown glass and neon art by artist Anthony Genet.

Little Beehive Co-op

Two woman browsing at Little Beehive Co-op.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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A treasure trove of items made by local creatives.

Trouble & Fox Boutique

Woman serving a customer at the counter at Trouble and Fox.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Hidden down an alleyway just off the main drag of downtown Nelson lies Trouble & Fox Boutique, an inviting wee spot filled with tastefully curated apparel.