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.
The Bakery at Wakefield (Tasman)
It’s a good sign when the queue stretches out the door and the people just keep on coming in! The Bakery at Wakefield is always one of our places to stop at the start of a roadie when we’re heading south out of Nelson. The pies are absolutely delicious – always generous filled and tasty…
Hardy St Eatery (Nelson)
Talented chef and Hardy St Eatery owner James Rutherford has been serving his delicious food to an enthusiastic (and loyal) following of diners for more than seven years. Seasonal ingredients feature on the menu and there’s always a happy buzz and a warm welcome here. Clem and I have enjoyed many Saturday brunches sitting side…
Cartographer Coffee Merchants (Nelson)
Cartographer Coffee Merchants is a thoughtfully put together coffee cart at Tāhunanui Beach that combines the perfect mixture of excellent coffee, a sensible approach to pricing (coffees start at $4, no surcharge for Paywave or alternative milks), friendly chat from the owner, and a water bowl for visiting dogs. It all makes for a relaxing…
Mike Ward (Nelson)
No list of Nelson Local Gems would be complete without mentioning iconic artist, writer, thinker, runner, and community advocate Mike Ward. Now in his 80s, Mike has been creating jewellery, World of Wearable Art entries, writing books, serving as a city councillor, running the trails, and being an all-round lovely local for decades. These days…
Te Hoiere/Pelorus Bridge (Marlborough)
When you’re next driving between Whakatū (Nelson) and Te Wai Harakeke (Blenheim) take some time to stop at Te Hoiere (Pelorus Bridge/Pelorus River). The cafe there was a favourite stop for us for many years and has recently had a revival thanks to Ngāti Kuia. There is now a lovely gallery and information space at…
Nelson Saturday Market
Established in 1978 and operating from its current site in Montgomery Square since 1979, the Nelson Saturday Market is a local (and national) treasure. The market has been operated by founder/owner Nita Knight since its inception with her son Jason working as Operations Manager for the past 20 years. The market has hosted royalty and…
Lewis Pass Scenic Tarn (South Island)
When you’re driving between Christchurch and Nelson via the Lewis Pass there’s a magic place to stop at the start of the St James Walkway. A short walk from the car park takes you to a beautiful tarn. When the season is right there’s a covering of snow on the mountains. Clem and I love…
The Pier Hotel (Kaikōura)
The Pier Hotel in Kaikōura offers tasty food and a cold beer or wine with arguably the best view in town. Clem and I have spent quite a bit of time in the beautiful town of Kaikōura but it wasn’t until recently that we discovered The Pier Hotel. It has undergone a major redecoration and…
Little Dutch Bakery (Nelson)
We were awaiting the opening of the new Little Dutch Bakery in Bridge St with considerable anticipation. Clem is hard to please (but always hopeful) when it comes to Dutch Apple Cake but he compared the bakery’s version with his mother’s! I had a Stroopwafel. It was delicious and it was so lovely to have…
