DAY TWO
After a bit of a lie in next morning, you’ll be ready for brunch so take the scenic Rocks Road route along the waterfront to The Boat Shed Cafe. Ask for a table on the deck, then sit back and take in the fabulous vista before ordering. I can’t go past their freshly baked sourdough and goat’s cheese croquettes, but after a big night out you might feel more like their smoked fish and potato cakes served with poached eggs and all the usual trimmings. It’s only 12 months since this cafe was badly damaged when storm Fehi hit the region, but you can’t keep a good cafe down. Locals and regular visitors alike were delighted when service resumed in June 2018. Actually, I like this place so much I could happily eat breakfast, lunch and dinner here two days in a row…
Time to get out of town for a bit? Neudorf Road in the Upper Moutere region, around half an hour’s drive from Nelson’s CBD, is home to a huge
variety of artisan producers including but not limited to Neudorf Vineyards, Peckham’s Cider, Moutere Gold, Neudorf Mushrooms, Neudorf Olives and Thorvald Sheep Milk Cheese. (Tip: Check which of these will be open when you want to visit.)
Checking out all these artisan goodies is thirsty work so why not rest and recuperate in the garden bar of the Moutere Inn, which claims to be New Zealand’s oldest pub to remain operating in its original building. A light snack may be in order or something more substantial – either way, rest assured that as much as possible from their menu is sourced locally and their pork and chicken offerings are free range. / moutereinn.co.nz
Before heading back to town, call in to the Bartlett and Gold Gallery on the same side of the road as the pub. Describing herself as a clay artist, Katie Gold’s colourful and quirky pieces are much sought after and have featured in many exhibitions. / bartlettandgoldgallery.co.nz
One final stop at the Mapua Wharf where, if it’s not too late in the day, you could hire a bike and then jump – along with the aforementioned bike – on the ferry that plies between the wharf and nearby Rabbit Island. A leisurely ride around the enormous pine plantations and the sandy beach (a popular stopping off point for passing seals), and there’s your exercise quotient for the day all done.
Finish the day sitting in the late afternoon sun with a house-brewed beer from the Golden Bear Brewing Company just off the wharf where, if you’re lucky, there’ll be some rousing live music to enjoy. / goldenbearbrewing.com
Then amble over to The Smokehouse to order your fish’n’chips, but be prepared to join a queue. / smokehouse.co.nz