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.

Gift Guide 2025: Neat Gifts from Neat Places in Aotearoa

Collage of all gifts featured in the Neat Places Gift Guide 2025
Welcome to the Neat Places Gift Guide 2025, packed with beautiful, practical, and interesting finds from local businesses across Aotearoa.

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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TOAD Hall Café

Exterior of Toad Hall, Motueka.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

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

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.

Arden + Porta Via

Customers sitting on a bench seat at Arden.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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Arden is a culinary experience you shouldn’t leave Nelson without enjoying.

Parker Gallery

Two woman looking at art at Parker Gallery.
Place Nelson Tasman
Galleries and museum key icon.

Feast your eyes on one-of-a-kind pieces from New Zealand artists.

The Courthouse Café

The blue and white Courthouse Cafe building.
Place Golden Bay
Cafes key icon.

It’s easy to see how The Courthouse Café got its name, housed as it is in Collingwood’s former courthouse.

Salvito's Pizza Bar

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

McCashin's Brewery

View inside the restaurant at McCashins Brewery.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Taproom, brewery and restaurant all under the same roof.

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
Bars key icon.

Bespoke drinks and graceful service is what you can expect at Kismet.

Alberta's

Alberta's, Māpua Wharf exterior view.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes key icon.

It’s hard to find a more picturesque spot for brunch than Alberta’s at Māpua Wharf.

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.

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...

Drift Off Grid - Luxury Eco Glamping

A view of the bed from the deck at Drift Off.
Place Golden Bay
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One of the best draws of Golden Bay is its gorgeous scenery, and at Drift Off Grid Glamping, you can immerse yourself in nature while staying at stylish, eco-conscious...

Roots Bar

Customers sitting at a picnic table outside Roots Bar on a sunny day.
Place Golden Bay
Bars key icon.

Roots Bar in Tākaka absolutely lives up to its alliterative motto—“beats, beers, burgers, bands”— providing stacked...

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.

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.