food & wine

gourmet's paradise
Nelson is slow food: indigenous flavours, sun-kissed fruit, farm-fresh vegetables and succulent seafood provide endless gastronomic inspiration, accompanied by high quality wines.

taste the region
Fresh ingredients are transformed into mouthwatering fare you can enjoy in an environment of unsurpassed beauty. Dine among the vines, along the waterfront with fabulous views, at a country café, or in the city-scape. Seafood is a specialty, from chowder to garlic mussels, so eat, explore, enjoy! Haute cuisine to Kiwi fish ‘n’ chips – it just tastes better here!

find food & wine to suit your needs

Breweries & Distilleries	Gourmet Produce
Restaurants & Cafes	Wineries & Vineyards

for the hamper
Along the region’s highways are stalls selling fresh produce. Take advantage of these roadside delights that change with the seasons. Small specialty shops are also dotted across the region and offer perfectly packaged preserves to take home for the picnic hamper or pantry.

wineart
The fruit of the region’s wines is making a big splash in the international wine world. Innovative and adventurous winemakers are crafting together flavours from a diverse array of grapes to stunning effect. Many have cellar door tastings where you can meet the people behind the wines and learn about their art. Take a winery tour around the region. For more information on Nelson wines check out the WineArt site.

what’s brewing
New Zealand’s hop crop thrives in ideal growing conditions under the Nelson sun. This region is home to several world-class brewmasters producing boutique and organic brews. Brewery tours, sampling and sales are available. Nelson is also home to New Zealand’s only commercial rum distillery, which has a full range of grain spirits.

iconic eating
Visit Mapua Wharf – a vibrant centre of arts, cuisine and delicious takeaway smoked fish. Buy fresh produce at the Saturday market, take away a chunk of cheese or an aromatic loaf of freshly made bread. Get sticky over locally handmade chocolates, try Kiwi hokey pokey ice cream. Make sure you stop in Golden Bay for a bowl of delicious local scallops or to experience catching your own.

tempting trout
Looking for reel excitement…regional rivers for trout fishing include the Motueka and Riwaka rivers, Wairau, Pelorus and Buller rivers. Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa near St Arnaud are also famous spots. The unrestricted season is from 1 October to 30 April. However in winter you can still gain access to the lower reaches of some rivers and fish year round! Get the thrill and dine out on the catch!