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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The Apple Pickers' Cottages

One of the black Apple Pickers' Cottages nestled among bushes.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Channel your inner Rita Angus and step into an idyllic piece of Nelson Tasman at The Apple Pickers’ Cottages.

The Boat Shed

Woman holding a glass of white wine at Boat Shed Cafe.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Come dine with sea at Boat Shed Café.

The Wholemeal Café

A view of the colourful Wholemeal Cafe from above.
Place Golden Bay
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Arguably the town’s most recognisable eatery, The Wholemeal Café, is housed in the former Takaka Theatre that dates back to 1910.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.

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.

flamedaisy

Woman looking around the gallery at flamedaisy.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Home of stunning hand-blown glass and neon art by artist Anthony Genet.

Little Dove Cafe

Interior of the white cladded walls with a blue and orange art work on the wall.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Wholesome food and aromatic pastries inspired by the Levant—the eastern Mediterranean region encompassing Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and parts of Syria—might not be...

Golden Bear Brewing Company

Outdoor seating area at Golden Bear Brewing Company, Māpua Tasman.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Golden Bear Brewing Company opened its doors back in 2008 and quickly became a hub of great beer, honest food, and regular live music.

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.

Farewell Spit Tours

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Place Golden Bay
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Offering sustainable visits to Golden Bay’s most iconic geographic feature for over 70 years, the family-run Farewell Spit Tours is the perfect way to visit this...

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.