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

A woman sitting down looking at camera.

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 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.

The Historic Langford Store & Post Office

An old looking building with products positioned out front.
Place Golden Bay
Cafes key icon.

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.

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.

Bacca Bakery

A staff member working behind the counter in the Bacca Bakery cafe.
Place Golden Bay
Cafes key icon.

Flavour, nutrition, and affordability are the calling cards of Bacca Bakery, a two-person operation of love in Parapara.

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...

Mussel Inn

Men sitting around wooden tables outside Mussel Inn.
Place Golden Bay
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

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...

Kiwi Spirit Distillery

Bottles of spirits lined up on a wooden table on a sunny day.
Place Golden Bay
Bars key icon. Goods key icon.

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 Wholemeal Café

A view of the colourful Wholemeal Cafe from above.
Place Golden Bay
Cafes key icon.

Arguably the town’s most recognisable eatery, The Wholemeal Café, is housed in the former Takaka Theatre that dates back to 1910.

Tasteology

The coffee machine inside Tasteology with take away cups stacked on the top.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

The outside of the building is simple and understated in white and sage green, the inside overflows with colour.

Salvito's Pizza Bar

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

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.

Rimu Wine Bar

A woman sitting next to three glasses of wine inside Rimu Wine Bar in Mapua.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars key icon.

For a casual-chic drinking experience in the heart of apple country, look no further than Māpua's Rimu Wine Bar.

Rabbit Island Coffee Co.

A woman pouring black coffee into a cup.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes key icon.

Located in a chic, airy storefront a few doors down from 

The Neat Taste Trail of Nelson Tasman

A woman about to eat a meal at a table inside Moutere Inn in  the Tasman District.
A journey of edible delights and surprises for your tastebuds.

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...

Little Dove Cafe

Interior of the white cladded walls with a blue and orange art work on the wall.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes key icon.

Wholesome food and aromatic pastries inspired by the Levant—the eastern Mediterranean region encompassing Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and parts of Syria—might not be...

The Moutere Inn

Seating area with noticeboard on the wall at The Moutere Inn, Nelson Tasman.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

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.

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.

Taste the Tasman with Nelson's Artisan Makers, Bakers and Food Producers

Man holding beer flight from McCashin's.
Nelson is humming with makers, bakers and producers. Meet some of them here.

Deville

Person holding a plate of halloumi and poached eggs from Deville, Nelson.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes key icon.

Deville is quite possibly Nelson’s best-kept hospitality secret.

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.

Golden Bear Brewing Company

Outdoor seating area at Golden Bear Brewing Company, Māpua Tasman.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Golden Bear Brewing Company opened its doors back in 2008 and quickly became a hub of great beer, honest food, and regular live music.

The Smoking Barrel

Interior view of The Smoking Barrel with people dining and old cuban car.
Place Nelson Tasman
Restaurants key icon.

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.

Hardy St Eatery

Customers dining at Hardy St Eatery.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

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

Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery

Prepping oysters in the kitchen.
Place Nelson Tasman
Restaurants key icon.

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

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.

The Free House

Exterior view of The Free House.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
Bars key icon.

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

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.

Burger Culture

Woman about to eat a burger at Burger Culture.
Place Nelson Tasman
Restaurants key icon.

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

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.

McCashin's Brewery

View inside the restaurant at McCashins Brewery.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Taproom, brewery and restaurant all under the same roof.

East St

Retro lampshade on the bar with James Dean photo on the wall.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

A pioneer in plant-based fare.

Red Gallery & Café

Customer dining at Red Gallery and Cafe.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes key icon.

Sit amongst art while sipping a great cup of coffee.

Hawker House

Staff working behind the bar at Harry's Hawker House.
Place Nelson Tasman
Restaurants key icon.

A celebration of South-East Asian street food and hawker markets.

The Boat Shed

Woman holding a glass of white wine at Boat Shed Cafe.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Come dine with sea at Boat Shed Café.

Arden + Porta Via

Customers sitting on a bench seat at Arden.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

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

Bobby Franks

Woman standing underneath blackboard menu at Bobby Franks.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
Cafes key icon.

Bustling with locals on any given day.