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.

Explore our Directory

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East St

Retro lampshade on the bar with James Dean photo on the wall.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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A pioneer in plant-based fare.

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.

Hawker House

Artwork of a woman's face on the wall at Harry's Hawker House.
Place Nelson Tasman
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A celebration of South-East Asian street food and hawker markets.

Victus Coffee & Eatery

Workers in their navy and white stripped tops working behind the counter.
Place Nelson Tasman

If you’re looking for colourful, fresh food and top-notch coffee, then Victus Coffee & Eatery—which occupies a bright, inviting space in the heart of Whakatū...

The Courthouse Café

The blue and white Courthouse Cafe building.
Place Golden Bay
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It’s easy to see how The Courthouse Café got its name, housed as it is in Collingwood’s former courthouse.

Deville

Person holding a plate of halloumi and poached eggs from Deville, Nelson.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Deville is quite possibly Nelson’s best-kept hospitality secret.

Red Gallery & Café

Customer dining at Red Gallery and Cafe.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Sit amongst art while sipping a great cup of coffee.

Alberta's

Alberta's, Māpua Wharf exterior view.
Place Nelson Tasman
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It’s hard to find a more picturesque spot for brunch than Alberta’s at Māpua Wharf.

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.

Kismet Cocktail & Whiskey Bar

Barman placing a petal on a cocktail at Kismet.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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Bespoke drinks and graceful service is what you can expect at Kismet.

Old Factory Corner

Cheeses on display in fridge at Old Factory Corner, Nelson Tasman.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Old Factory Corner in Appleby is a one-stop-shop for local produce, waste-free shopping, and specialty food vendors.

Mussel Inn

Men sitting around wooden tables outside Mussel Inn.
Place Golden Bay
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A staple for over thirty years in Golden Bay, The Mussel Inn is your go-to for wholesome food, delicious in-house brews, dance-worthy live music and possibly a roaming weka...

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.

Bobby Franks

Woman standing underneath blackboard menu at Bobby Franks.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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Bustling with locals on any given day.

The Dangerous Kitchen

The colourful exterior of The Dangerous Kitchen on a sunny day.
Place Golden Bay
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Despite its moniker, the only thing truly dangerous about The Dangerous Kitchen in Tākaka, is how tasty its food is.

Godzilla Recycled Clothing

A woman browsing the colourful vintage clothing at Godzilla in Nelson.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Looking to ethically revamp your wardrobe with a funky, unique edge? The racks of Godzilla Clothing in the heart of Nelson’s CBD have exactly what you need.