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.
Moutere Inn (Upper Moutere)
Many a weary traveller has taken respite in this fine establishment during its 125-year history. It’s the oldest public house in New Zealand and is still in its original building. The Inn is a popular weekend destination for motorcyclists, Nelsonians, and visitors to the region. What perhaps isn’t so well known is that the food…
Neudorf Vineyards (Upper Moutere)
It’s been more than 30 years since I first visited the cellar door at Neudorf Vineyards. The first block was planted in 1978 by Tim and Judy Finn. With the recent passing of Tim in our minds we went to spend an afternoon in the lovingly created space he and Judy have curated for so…
Pizzeria Bella (Nelson)
It’s been a little while since I had a visit to Pizzeria Bella but I needed something to eat before catching Bill Bailey at the Trafalgar Centre and popped in here. The place was humming with happy diners and I was warmly welcomed by the attentive staff. I was very pleasantly surprised by the delicious…
Maruia Falls (Shenandoah)
The power of nature is evident at Maruia Falls, south of Murchison. The falls were formed by the powerful magnitude 7.3 Murchison earthquake of 1929. Maruia Falls are quite a sight (and a sound) but please do heed the warning signs – these falls are definitely for looking at and not for swimming. Maruia Falls…
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
Mike Ward at Nelson’s 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.…