Posts by Jacquie Boer
Cantina Nicola (Nelson)
From left to right: Rio, CJay, and Angel Cantina Nicola has been a Nelson institution for many years. I’ve eaten there a few times in the past but haven’t been to dine there since 2023. In February 2026 new owners took over the business and friends from Southern California had told us they rated the…
Read MoreBrook Waimārama Sanctuary
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary has been a labour of love for many volunteers over many years. Their vision and hard work has led to the creation of something really special very close to the centre of Nelson – a place where people of all ages can experience abundant birdlife and celebrate the reintroduction of birds…
Read MoreAbel Tasman National Park (Wilsons Abel Tasman)
Awaiting the start of the next leg of kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park It’s 33 years since I first took a Wilsons Abel Tasman boat from Kaiteriteri into Awaroa armed with enthusiasm and my boyfriend’s tent. John Wilson was the skipper. He was the embodiment of a stern man of the sea, advising us…
Read MoreMaruia River Retreat (just south of Murchison)
Our story about Maruia River Retreat features in the Winter 2026 edition of World Traveller magazine When is the last time you truly relaxed and let yourself be totally taken care of? When is the last time your mind and your body had a total reset and you were able to be at peace…
Read MoreDonegal House (Kaikōura)
Donegal House is establishing itself as a mecca for people travelling around the country in campervans because of its well appointed (and very reasonably priced) facilities. We came across it for the first time on the very day that the current owners took over and it is thriving in their competent hands. Even on that…
Read MoreThe Cow Shed (Murchison)
Sometimes it’s amazing how many times you can drive past something and not notice it’s there. This is the case for The Cow Shed in Murchison. According to the member of staff who showed us to our table, The Cow Shed has been operating for more than 13 years but this was the first time…
Read MoreTe Mahuru Retreat (Kaikōura)
We’ve stayed at Mahuru Retreat just north of the Kaikōura town centre several times now and it’s hard to beat in terms of a warm welcome, value, and comfort. Host Jen (and her cute dog companions) always provide genuine hospitality, from the fresh flowers from her garden in every room, to the freshly baked bread…
Read MoreThe Coffee House (Rai Valley)
If you’re travelling through Rai Valley on a weekday do yourself (and your tastebuds) a favour and stop for a drink and a bite to eat at The Coffee House. The coffees are excellent and the food is delicious. There are a range of savoury and sweet treats. My personal favourite are the egg and…
Read MoreLe Cafe (Picton)
Le Cafe is a cultural hub for the Picton community, hosting many visiting musicians and providing a meeting spot for locals and a highlight for visitors to the Picton waterfront. We absolutely loved the food that we were served. My fish was perfectly cooked and beautifully presented and Clem’s venison burger was delicious. Sitting in…
Read MoreMotuara Island (Marlborough Sounds)
Family members gifted us an experience for Christmas a couple of years ago and we finally redeemed it in the form of a half-day trip to Motuara Island with Beachcomber Cruises based in Picton. It was an 7:30am check in but the need for an early morning breakfast and coffee was well catered for by…
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