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.

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.

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.

The Neat Taste Trail of Nelson Tasman

A woman about to eat a meal at a table inside Moutere Inn in  the Tasman District.
Nelson Tasman

A journey of edible delights and surprises for your tastebuds.

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The Historic Langford Store & Post Office

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

The Suter Art Gallery

Sculptures by a window at The Suter Art Gallery.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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One of the oldest galleries in New Zealand.

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.

Maitai Whare Iti

The wooden cabin set amongst bush.
Place Nelson Tasman
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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...

Bobby Franks

Woman standing underneath blackboard menu at Bobby Franks.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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Bustling with locals on any given day.

Salvito's Pizza Bar

People sitting around a table with a pizza in the middle all sharing.
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.

Drift Off Grid - Luxury Eco Glamping

A view of the bed from the deck at Drift Off.
Place Golden Bay
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One of the best draws of Golden Bay is its gorgeous scenery, and at Drift Off Grid Glamping, you can immerse yourself in nature while staying at stylish, eco-conscious...

Sublime Roastery & Brew Bar

Barista working at Sublime Roastery and Brew Bar.
Place Nelson Tasman
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A place to appreciate coffee in its purest form.

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.

Little Beehive Co-op

Two woman browsing at Little Beehive Co-op.
Place Nelson Tasman Editor's Pick
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A treasure trove of items made by local creatives.

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.

Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery

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

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.

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...

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...

Hawker House

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