Taste the Tasman with Nelson's Artisan Makers, Bakers and Food Producers
Nelson is humming with makers, bakers and producers. Meet some of them here.
Words by: Petra Nyman
Photography by: Nancy Zhou & Supplied
Nelson Tasman is filled with passionate entrepreneurs who practice traditional baking methods, hand-make wine, roast coffee and make the best use of the top of the South Island’s bounty.
A trip to this region known for its enviable sunshine hours wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of the produce and products it’s home to. From world famous peanut butter to craft beer goodness, small batch roasted coffee to hand made chocolate and a Saturday market showcasing a huge variety of everything locally made and grown, Nelson Tasman is a destination where appreciating all things artisan comes easy.
Hogarth Chocolate
10F Kotua Place Stoke, Nelson
From a small factory in Nelson, Hogarth create award-winning small batch chocolate handmade from bean to bar. Using only the highest quality cacao beans from around the world, and not much else, you can truly taste cacao. Buttered toast with sea salt would be our pick for starting a new chocolate addiction.
Appleby Farms
26A McMahon Street, Nelson
Two neighbouring third and fourth generation Nelson farmers wanted to create dairy the way it used to be. So they bred their cows to be 100% certified A2 to produce great milk and they started making ice cream from cow to cone. Nowadays Appleby Farms’ ice cream can be found in grocers and supermarkets across the country. All ingredients are as natural as possible with no added colours, and they use locally sourced products such as their neighbours boysenberries and local Sublime Coffee beans. To elevate your ice cream experience, head down to Tahunanui Beach during the summer and grab a scoop from their Airstream caravan.
McCashin's Brewery
660 Main Road Stoke, Stoke, Nelson
An iconic brewery in Stoke, McCashin’s Brewery has been producing craft beer and cider since the early ‘80s. Take a tour of the brewery, meet the makers, and discover the rich history of the company. Or, simply pop in for a tasting tray and some delicious grub from McCashin’s restaurant and watch the production line in full swing through the viewing window.
Soul Arch Coffee Roasters
www.soularchcoffee.com
Soul Arch Coffee Roasters is a grassroots family business roasting coffee beans for Bobby Frank’s Café. Sample the brews and purchase beans by the bag to take home with you at the café, or just sit and enjoy. Coffee made from small batch roasted, responsibly sourced beans is what you should be drinking!
Neudorf Vineyards
138 Neudorf Road, Nelson
Neudorf Vineyards is a small vineyard tucked near the gravelly clays of Moutere Hills. Producers of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and aromatics, Neudorf’s cellar door is worth a visit for sampling and purchasing some of their award-winning wines while taking in the stunning views of the vineyard.
Golden Bear Brewing
501/6 Aranui Road, Mapua Wharf, Māpua
Perched right beside the historic Māpua wharf, Golden Bear Brewing is an award-winning brewery which offers a wide range of craft beers and possibly one of the most picturesque spots in Nelson to enjoy a pint. The brewery has LA-inspired Mexican food and live music every Friday and Sunday.
Sublime Roastery & Brew Bar
Nelson
Sublime Coffee Roasters is a family business committed to ethical coffee relationships and has been roasting coffee in Nelson since 2005. Nowadays their beans are available across the country, but all Sublime beans are roasted in Nelson. Visit the Sublime Brew Bar to take in all the roastery action and sample the good stuff.
Townshend Brewery
502 High St, Motueka
A genuine real ale brewery, Townshend Brewery uses local Nelson hops and ancient water from the Motueka aquifer, plus traditional brewing methods to craft their beers. The award-winning brewery is located right behind Toad Hall, which is where you can pick up a selection of Townshend beers.
Nelson Market
Montgomery Square, Nelson
Nelson Market is a hub for all things local. Find an ever-changing representation of independent makers and producers and sample Nelson Tasman products such as Hogarth Chocolate Makers chocolate (try the buttered toast & sea salt), Norb’s Gold raw organic honey and Rodrigo’s Sourdough Bakery. Every Saturday 8am - 1pm.
Workshop Brewery
32c New Street, Nelson
A small craft brewery on Nelson’s New Street, Workshop Brewery began as a one-man band back in 2018. Now with an onsite brewery and bar, plus a kitchen churning out some hefty burgers and pizzas, it’s a destination for quenching your thirst as well as a treat for your taste buds.
Pic’s Peanut Butter World
Stoke, Nelson
Pic’s is the maker of some of the best peanut butter in New Zealand, and at Pic’s Peanut Butter World you’ll get to see just how it makes its way into a jar. Discover the story behind this local peanut butter business and taste an array of goodness made in their Stoke factory.
The Baker's Coffee Shop
105 Collingwood Street, Nelson
The Baker’s Coffee Shop is an award-winning bakery and café, which produces a varied selection of European-style pastries and handcrafted sourdough bread. Try the popular almond croissant, pair it with a nicely brewed Havana coffee and tuck a sourdough under your arm on your way out.
Neat Nelson Tasman Places
The Moutere Inn
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.
Kiwi Spirit Distillery
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.
Bacca Bakery
Flavour, nutrition, and affordability are the calling cards of Bacca Bakery, a two-person operation of love in Parapara.
Zappekin Artists & Allies
Zappekin Artists & Allies is a co-op of seven resident creatives formed to create community for local artists, a space to come together and work in, exhibit and collaborate in.
flamedaisy
Home of stunning hand-blown glass and neon art by artist Anthony Genet.