EAT, DRINK, BE MERRY

Famous for its fresh produce, Nelson is full of culinary delights. On previous visits, I’ve always hit up the waterfront Boat Shed Café for unbeatable kaimoana, but I branched out this time by dining at Mama Cod (mamacod. restaurant), just down the steps from the iconic Christ Church Cathedral. Set in an historic building but decked out like a tropical tiki bar, it’s like a mini island escape and there are plenty of fruity cocktails to enhance that vibe. After sampling a few lovely seafood dishes, including some incredible oysters, I then headed to Kismet Cocktail & Whiskey Bar, a warm, cosy place to start or end an evening. Don’t miss the Nelson Market downtown on Saturdays – the poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes) are heerlijk (delish)!