Local Food & Drink

If you love food and drink of any kind, then you'll love the artisan products for which Nelson Tasman is deservedly famous. Our rolling hills, picturesque plains, fertile soils and consistently sunny climate have established us as a place that produces top quality and award-winning fare. People with a love of making things find their way to our region and we all benefit from their passion. Holding the title as Aotearoa’s craft brewing capital and as the world’s top cider city, our vibrant year-round event calendar pays tribute to the artisanal excellence our region is renowned for. MarchFest, Beer Week, Cider Festival and the Brightwater Wine and Food Festival are highlight events spread across the year, featuring local producers specialising in handcrafting beverages from Nelson Tasman’s finest hops, vines and produce.

Tides Hotel

Set on the banks of the Maitai River, Tides Hotel is one of Nelson's most stylish central-city stays, with Tides Bar & Eatery at its heart. The riverfront restaurant showcases the best of the region's local produce, from award-winning cheeses to seasonal seafood, served in a warm and contemporary setting by a team that knows the menu inside out. Whether you're after a romantic dinner for two, a celebratory family meal, or simply a relaxed evening by the water, Tides Bar & Eatery delivers a true taste of sunny Nelson.

Tides Hotels Bar & Eatery

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Waterfront by Toad Hall

Few dining spots capture Kaiteriteri quite like Waterfront by Toad Hall, a beachfront restaurant and bar just steps from the sand. Bringing Toad Hall's celebrated Garden to Table ethos to the coast, expect fresh seasonal food, cold beers and cocktails on tap, all best enjoyed from a table with a view of the bay. No bookings required — just walk in and unwind.

Waterfront by Toad Hall

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Pic’s Peanut Butter World

Peanut butter lovers, this one’s for you! Pic’s world-famous peanut butter tours have been designed for people of all ages to share the wonder in how New Zealand’s most-loved peanut butter is made. Complete your tour with a visit to their dedicated peanut butter store and eatery.

Pic's Peanut Butter World

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The Mussel Inn

A Golden Bay institution since 1995, the Mussel Inn is home to the original Captain Cooker Manuka Beer — a distinctive brew flavoured with freshly picked mānuka tips, inspired by a recipe Captain Cook brewed in 1773. Tucked away in Onekaka with a laid-back beer garden and regular live music, it's a quirky, must-visit stop for anyone touring Golden Bay's craft beer scene.

The Mussel Inn

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Mapua Wharf

Situated by the stunning Waimea Estuary, Mapua Wharf is the perfect destination to enjoy some retail therapy and dining with a sea view. Enjoy great coffee at Rabbit Island Coffee or Alberta’s, local seafood at the Smokehouse, wine with a view at Rimu Wine Bar or award winning meals at Jellyfish or The Apple Shed.

Mapua Wharf

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Sprig + Fern Brewing Co.

With ten taverns scattered across Nelson and Tasman — including Hardy Street, Marsden, Tahuna, Māpua, Motueka and Brightwater — Sprig + Fern makes it easy to find a good local wherever you're staying. Every drop is brewed at their Richmond home base using the best local hops, malt and water, resulting in an award-winning core range alongside ever-changing limited releases. Each tavern is independently owned and woven into its community, so expect a genuinely local welcome at every stop.

Sprig + Fern Brewing Co.

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Kiwi Spirit Distillery

Home to New Zealand's only tequilana, Kiwi Spirit Distillery grows its own Weber Blue Agave in Golden Bay to craft TeKiwi, a genuinely unique spirit you won't find anywhere else in the country. Alongside it sits a full range of hand-crafted gins, vodka and Waitui whiskey, all distilled with a little Golden Bay sunshine. Visit the cocktail and tapas bar for a guided tasting, or stay on for cocktails, wine and beer in the sun.

Kiwi Spirit Distillery

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Wine Art & Wilderness

For the definitive guide to Nelson Tasman and Marlborough, get in touch with Wine Art and Wilderness, which specialises in exclusive luxury tours that get to the heart of what makes these regions so unique. Choose from a range of tours or ‘trust the guide’ to design a tour based on your specific interests.

Wine Art & Wilderness

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Eddyline Brewery Taproom & Taqueria

Fresh beer meets bold flavour at Eddyline's Taproom & Taqueria in Stoke, where over 20 taps of award-winning craft beer are poured straight from the brewery floor and matched with New Mexican-inspired tacos, burritos and nachos. Settle in on the dog-friendly patio for a relaxed afternoon of hophead heaven or grab takeaway to go. Come for the beer, stay for the green chile.

Eddyline Brewery Taproom & Taqueria

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Moutere Hills Restaurant and Cellar Door

Overlooking rolling vines and neighbouring hop gardens, Moutere Hills Restaurant and Cellar Door is one of Upper Moutere's most idyllic spots to eat and drink. Enjoy a seasonal menu crafted from local produce, matched with the estate's own wines and a line-up of Nelson beers, then linger over a tasting at the cellar door before you go.

Moutere Hills Restaurant and Cellar Door

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Nelson Market

The Nelson Market is well known for its fine produce and quality artistry. Every Saturday morning for more than 40 years, Nelson artesans have welcomed visitors to shop for fresh fruit and vegetables, taste gourmet local produce, browse locally made arts, crafts, jewellery and clothing and share brunch and coffee under the warm Nelson sun.

Nelson Market

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Cycle Nelson

Cycle Nelson connects riders with the passionate winemakers, brewers and producers who make this region so special. Pedal through the Moutere's rolling vineyards to a boutique cellar door, follow the hop trail to Nelson's craft breweries, or take a guided ride finishing with a long lunch by the water at Māpua. Self-guided or guided, on an e-bike or a classic hybrid, it's a relaxed and rewarding way to taste your way around Nelson Tasman.

Cycle Nelson

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Moutere Artisans

The Moutere Artisans are a collective of talented individuals in Upper Moutere, creating exceptional products ranging from wines and cheeses to ceramics and sculptures. Visitors can explore studios, taste local delicacies, and experience the vibrant artisan community.

Moutere Artisans

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Learn more about Nelson

at the official tourism website

Visit Nelson

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Explore more of the Top of the South

Hurunui

From the rolling hills and wineries of Waiparato the rugged limestone cliffs along the east coast, the incredible vistas, relaxed vibe and warm Kiwi hospitality in Hurunui offers an opportunity to slowdown and make the most of your visit.

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Kaikoura

From the thrill of whale spotting by plane, trekking with llamas and visiting with seals, there are so many exciting opportunities to explore this unique area by land, sea or air. The waters in this part of the world are home to a vast array of marine mammals and birdlife which can be viewed from above and below the waves.

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Marlborough

Dreamy sunsets, calm reflections and star-filled nights - you couldn’t ask for a more inspiring backdrop to create un-filled holiday memories with your loved ones. Explore the four valleys that create Marlborough, meet the passionate people who live, work and play there and learn about their connection with the land.

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West Coast

From its stunning coastline to the epic peaks of the Southern Alps, the West Coast is a place of stunning natural beauty and the ideal spot for a getaway. Whether the hills are calling your name, or you prefer a more laid-back approach to taking some time out, there is no better place to re-set, recharge and reconnect.

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