Local Gems
Here are some of the local gems we’ve loved in the places we’ve visited to capture stories and photos for our business. We are not paid by anyone we mention in our Local Gems stories on this page - these are experiences, businesses, or people that we wanted to celebrate and acknowledge that we thought you might also enjoy knowing about.
Mrs Smith’s Cafe (Riuwaka)
Just past Motueka on your way to Kaiteriteri, Mārahau, or Tākaka you’ll find Riuwaka (also known by the incorrect spelling of Riwaka). It’s a wee place famous for the Riuwaka Resurgence (we’ll write a separate post about that very special place soon). It’s also a stop on the Great Taste Trail, the region’s wonderful cycle/walking…
Hawkes lookout (Tākaka Hill)
If you’re heading over Tākaka Hill make sure to take a quick stop at Hawkes lookout. Just a short walk from the car park you’ll find a well-positioned observation deck from which you have an panoramic view of the surrounding landscape across to Nelson in the distance. It’s also a good way to have a…
Wharariki Beach (Golden Bay/Mohua)
Wharariki (one hour by car from Tākaka) is famous for its rock formations and expansive, and often windswept beach. It’s a destination that’s worth dedicating half a day to if you’re in Golden Bay/Mohua. Once you leave the tar seal it’s about 10-15 minutes on unsealed road to the carpark from which you walk twenty…
The Mauri of Maruia – our original song is now a promotional video!
We loved our stay at Maruia River Retreat so much that Jacquie wrote a song while we were there. It has now been made into a promotional video directed by Aimee Jules. Have a look/listen below!
Kura Tāwhiti (Castle Hill, Canterbury)
The forecast told us that there might be snow en route, but we saw none at all and had a really pleasant drive from Hokitika on the West Coast through the spectacular Otira Gorge. We stopped for something to eat at Arthur’s Pass before heading to Kura Tāwhiti (Castle Hill). This was my first time…
Toi Toi Coffee House, Nelson
Toi Toi Coffee House, with Tania Raw If you’re looking for a coffee place to call your new ‘local’ then look no further than Toi Toi Coffee House. We have certainly embraced it as our favourite and proudly tell anyone we can that owner Tania Raw is serving the best coffee in Nelson. Tania is…
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…
Brook 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…
Donegal 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…
The 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…