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
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
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
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
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 journey of edible delights and surprises for your tastebuds.
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Drift Off Grid - Luxury Eco Glamping
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...
Trouble & Fox Boutique
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.
Global Soap
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.
Roots Bar
Roots Bar in Tākaka absolutely lives up to its alliterative motto—“beats, beers, burgers, bands”— providing stacked...
Kiwi Spirit Distillery
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.
Rabbit Island Coffee Co.
Located in a chic, airy storefront a few doors down from
Arden + Porta Via
Arden is a culinary experience you shouldn’t leave Nelson without enjoying.
The Nelson Market
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...
Old Factory Corner
Old Factory Corner in Appleby is a one-stop-shop for local produce, waste-free shopping, and specialty food vendors.
Java Hut
Keen to find that secret local’s coffee spot in Māpua? Make a stop at Java Hut on the main road into town.
Hot Clay - Kiln Gallery
You’re bound to encounter a handmade ceramic or two that catches your eye.
The Wholemeal Café
Arguably the town’s most recognisable eatery, The Wholemeal Café, is housed in the former Takaka Theatre that dates back to 1910.
Salvito's Pizza Bar
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 Moutere Inn
The oldest pub functioning in its original building in Aotearoa and proud of it, The Moutere Inn is a definite destination in this part of Te Waipounamu.
