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.

A Long Weekend Escape to Golden Bay

Walking the dunes of Farewell Spit in Golden Bay
No matter the time of year, it’s nice to know there’s a corner of Aotearoa that shines as brightly as the sand on its beaches.

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

A woman sitting down looking at camera.
Golden Bay
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.

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flamedaisy

Woman looking around the gallery at flamedaisy.
Place Nelson Tasman
Galleries and museum key icon.

Home of stunning hand-blown glass and neon art by artist Anthony Genet.

Java Hut

Exterior of Java Hut, Māpua.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes key icon.

Keen to find that secret local’s coffee spot in Māpua? Make a stop at Java Hut on the main road into town.

Hawker House

Staff working behind the bar at Harry's Hawker House.
Place Nelson Tasman
Restaurants key icon.

A celebration of South-East Asian street food and hawker markets.

Salvito's Pizza Bar

People sitting around a table with a pizza in the middle all sharing.
Place Nelson Tasman
Restaurants key icon.

Nelson has a long and significant Italian history, and one of the best ways this heritage shines through is in the city’s pizza scene.

The Dangerous Kitchen

The colourful exterior of The Dangerous Kitchen on a sunny day.
Place Golden Bay
Cafes key icon.

Despite its moniker, the only thing truly dangerous about The Dangerous Kitchen in Tākaka, is how tasty its food is.

Hardy St Eatery

Customers dining at Hardy St Eatery.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Celebrating honest food in all its glory is what Hardy St Eatery does best.

Burger Culture

Woman about to eat a burger at Burger Culture.
Place Nelson Tasman
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You'll find delicious burgers, outrageously lush shakes, nostalgic tunes and good vibes here.

Sublime Roastery & Brew Bar

Barista working at Sublime Roastery and Brew Bar.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes key icon.

A place to appreciate coffee in its purest form.

Arden + Porta Via

Customers sitting on a bench seat at Arden in Nelson.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Arden is a culinary experience you shouldn’t leave Nelson without enjoying.

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.

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.

The Free House

Exterior view of The Free House.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
Bars key icon.

Situated in an old church turned pub, The Free House is a true Nelson craft beer institution.

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.

The Nelson Market

Hogarth chocolates on stall at The Nelson Market, Nelson.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Every Saturday, rain or shine, Montgomery Square in the centre of Nelson transforms into a hub of colourful tents where produce, arts, and crafts from the wider Nelson...

Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery

Beer taps at Urban Oyster Bar and Eatery.
Place Nelson Tasman
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The stars of the show, as the name suggests, are oysters.

Maitai Whare Iti

The wooden cabin set amongst bush.
Place Nelson Tasman
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If you’re looking for a rural respite, head to the heart of the Maitai Valley where surrounded by the tranquillity of the native bush, you’ll find the Maitai...