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.

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 Wholemeal Café

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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.

The Courthouse Café

The blue and white Courthouse Cafe building.
Place Golden Bay
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It’s easy to see how The Courthouse Café got its name, housed as it is in Collingwood’s former courthouse.

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.

Bacca Bakery

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

Mussel Inn

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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

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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 Historic Langford Store & Post Office

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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.

Tasteology

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

Salvito's Pizza Bar

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Place Nelson Tasman
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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

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

Victus Coffee & Eatery

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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...

The Neat Taste Trail of Nelson Tasman

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A journey of edible delights and surprises for your tastebuds.

Little Dove Cafe

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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...

Rabbit Island Coffee Co.

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

The Moutere Inn

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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

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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

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Nelson is humming with makers, bakers and producers. Meet some of them here.

Deville

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

Java Hut

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Keen to find that secret local’s coffee spot in Māpua? Make a stop at Java Hut on the main road into town.

The Smoking Barrel

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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.

Alberta's

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It’s hard to find a more picturesque spot for brunch than Alberta’s at Māpua Wharf.

Bobby Franks

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Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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Bustling with locals on any given day.

Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery

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

Golden Bear Brewing Company

Outdoor seating area at Golden Bear Brewing Company, Māpua 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.

Sublime Roastery & Brew Bar

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Place Nelson Tasman
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A place to appreciate coffee in its purest form.

The Free House

Exterior view of The Free House.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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Situated in an old church turned pub, The Free House is a true Nelson craft beer institution.

McCashin's Brewery

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Place Nelson Tasman
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Taproom, brewery and restaurant all under the same roof.

Kismet Cocktail & Whiskey Bar

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Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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Bespoke drinks and graceful service is what you can expect at Kismet.

East St

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Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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A pioneer in plant-based fare.

Burger Culture

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

Hawker House

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

Red Gallery & Café

Customer dining at Red Gallery and Cafe.
Place Nelson Tasman
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Sit amongst art while sipping a great cup of coffee.

Arden + Porta Via

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Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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Arden is a culinary experience you shouldn’t leave Nelson without enjoying.

The Boat Shed

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Place Nelson Tasman
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Come dine with sea at Boat Shed Café.

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.