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

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

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.
Explore our Directory
View AllRabbit Island Huts

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...
flamedaisy

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

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

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

You'll find delicious burgers, outrageously lush shakes, nostalgic tunes and good vibes here.
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.
Arden + Porta Via

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

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

A treasure trove of items made by local creatives.
The Free House

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

Old Factory Corner in Appleby is a one-stop-shop for local produce, waste-free shopping, and specialty food vendors.
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...
Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery

The stars of the show, as the name suggests, are oysters.
Maitai Whare Iti

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...

