Sort & Filter

Best Urban Wine Experiences in New Zealand

Glasses and a bottle of wine sitting on a table in the outdoor seating area of Puffin Wine Bar in Wellington.
Story Auckland
All around New Zealand, we are blessed with incredible wine experiences right in our own urban backyard. No matter your vino preference from a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to a Central Otago Pinot Noir or perhaps an interesting blend from a far away European vineyard, you don’t have to travel far to sample and enjoy a glass or two (responsibly of course!).

The Moutere Inn

Exterior at The Moutere Inn, Nelson Tasman.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars icon Restaurants icon

The oldest pub functioning in its original building in Aotearoa and proud of it, The Moutere Inn is a definite destination in this part of Te Waipounamu.

Deville

Person holding a plate of halloumi and poached eggs from Deville, Nelson.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes icon

Deville is quite possibly Nelson’s best-kept hospitality secret.

TOAD Hall Café

Exterior of Toad Hall, Motueka.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars icon Cafes icon Restaurants icon

TOAD Hall Café in Motueka is one of those places you enter once by chance, and never pass up again.

Bloom Café

Artwork of a man and woman hanging on the wall at Bloom Cafe, Motueka.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes icon

Walk through a pair of bright pink gates on the main street of Motueka to discover a secret garden that is Bloom Café.

Alberta's

Alberta's, Māpua Wharf exterior view.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes icon

It’s hard to find a more picturesque spot for brunch than Alberta’s at Māpua Wharf.

Java Hut

Exterior of Java Hut, Māpua.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes icon

Keen to find that secret local’s coffee spot in Māpua? Make a stop at Java Hut on the main road into town.

The Smoking Barrel

Interior view of The Smoking Barrel with people dining and old cuban car.
Place Nelson Tasman
Restaurants icon

The Smoking Barrel is a bit of a Motueka institution. The family-owned and operated restaurant specialises in low & slow American style BBQ, statement burgers, and gourmet donuts.

Golden Bear Brewing Company

Dining area with customers drinking and eating at Golden Bear Brewing Company, Māpua Tasman.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars icon Restaurants icon

Golden Bear Brewing Company opened its doors back in 2008 and quickly became a hub of great beer, honest food, and regular live music.

Sublime Roastery & Brew Bar

Barista working at Sublime Roastery and Brew Bar.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes icon

A place to appreciate coffee in its purest form.

The Free House

Patrons having drinks in the outdoor seating area at The Free House.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars icon

Once you’ve stumbled by The Free House once, you’re bound to return.

East St Café

Retro lampshade on the bar with James Dean photo on the wall.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars icon Cafes icon Restaurants icon

A pioneer in plant-based fare.

Red Gallery & Café

Customer dining at Red Gallery and Cafe.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes icon

Sit amongst art while sipping a great cup of coffee.

Seven Vegetarian Spots to Travel for this Meat Free May

Waiter holding two vegan dishes at Hillside Kitchen in Wellington.
Story Auckland
Challenge yourself and go Meat Free this May. The planet, the animals and your body will thank you for it.

Kismet Cocktail & Whiskey Bar

Barman placing a petal on a cocktail at Kismet.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars icon

Bespoke drinks and graceful service is what you can expect at Kismet.

McCashin's Brewery

View inside the restaurant at McCashins Brewery.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars icon Restaurants icon

Taproom, brewery and restaurant all under the same roof.

Hawker House

Staff working behind the bar at Harry's Hawker House.
Place Nelson Tasman
Restaurants icon

A celebration of South-East Asian street food and hawker markets.

Burger Culture

Woman about to eat a burger at Burger Culture.
Place Nelson Tasman
Restaurants icon

You'll find delicious burgers, outrageously lush shakes, nostalgic tunes and good vibes here.

Ode to Long Lunches

People having a long lunch at Tussock Hill Vineyard, Christchurch.
Story Auckland
Is there anything more satisfying than a lingering long lunch?

Arden + Porta Via

Customers sitting on a bench seat at Arden.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars icon Restaurants icon

Arden is a culinary experience you shouldn’t leave Nelson without enjoying.

Hardy St Eatery

Customers dining at Hardy St Eatery.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes icon Restaurants icon

Celebrating honest food in all its glory is what Hardy St Eatery does best.

The Boat Shed

Woman holding a glass of white wine at Boat Shed Cafe.
Place Nelson Tasman
Bars icon Cafes icon Restaurants icon

Come dine with sea at Boat Shed Café.

Bobby Franks

Woman standing underneath blackboard menu at Bobby Franks.
Place Nelson Tasman
Cafes icon

Bustling with locals on any given day.

Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery

Prepping oysters in the kitchen.
Place Nelson Tasman
Restaurants icon

The stars of the show, as the name suggests, are oysters.

The Neat Taste Trail of Nelson Tasman

Exterior of Golden Bear in Tasman with people dining outside.
Story Nelson Tasman
A journey of edible delights and surprises for your tastebuds.

Cure Your Cravings With 10 Locally Made Craft Chocolates

A stack of Bennetto chocolate.
Story Auckland
Embrace your inner Willy Wonka, here’s the golden ticket to ten of the best craft chocolatiers in Aotearoa.

Taste the Tasman with Nelson's Artisan Makers, Bakers and Food Producers

Man holding beer flight from McCashin's.
Story Nelson Tasman
Nelson is humming with makers, bakers and producers. Meet some of them here.