We scoured the region to find Nelson's best bars.

Discover them with our Neat Places guide.

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.

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...

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.

The Moutere Inn

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

East St

Retro lampshade on the bar with James Dean photo on the wall.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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A pioneer in plant-based fare.

Kismet Cocktail & Whiskey Bar

Barman placing a petal on a cocktail at Kismet.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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Bespoke drinks and graceful service is what you can expect at Kismet.

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.

Arden + Porta Via

Customers sitting on a bench seat at Arden.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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Arden is a culinary experience you shouldn’t leave Nelson without enjoying.