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 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.

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...

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...

Roots Bar

Customers sitting at a picnic table outside Roots Bar on a sunny day.
Place Golden Bay
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Roots Bar in Tākaka absolutely lives up to its alliterative motto—“beats, beers, burgers, bands”— providing stacked...

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.

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...

Maitai Whare Iti

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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...

Palm Boutique

Interior view of Palm Boutique.
Place Nelson Tasman
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A true destination for fashion lovers.

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.

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.

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.

Rabbit Island Huts

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Place Nelson Tasman
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Located along the turnoff to the eponymous Rabbit Island, each of the six eco-friendly huts (they’re built with locally sourced and milled timber, and even stock...

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.

Burger Culture

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Place Nelson Tasman
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You'll find delicious burgers, outrageously lush shakes, nostalgic tunes and good vibes here.

Kiwi Spirit Distillery

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Place Golden Bay
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At Kiwi Spirit Distillery in Golden Bay, you’ll find craft gins, spirits and liqueurs made with local botanicals and more than a dash of good taste.

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.