Charlie’s guidebook
Food scene
Open on a Friday, a unique little place to have a drink or food.
48 locals recommend
Jester House Café
320 Aporo RdOpen on a Friday, a unique little place to have a drink or food.
Toad Hall
502 High St SThe Smoking Barrel
105 High StJava Hut Coffee
84B Aranui RdNahm
322 Wakefield QuayBurger Culture
279 Trafalgar StCity/town information
Nelson
Market
Great Market to find great local produce, crafts and products. Its the place to be on a Saturday morning.
92 locals recommend
Nelson Saturday Market
23 Halifax StGreat Market to find great local produce, crafts and products. Its the place to be on a Saturday morning.
Winery
Moutere Hills Vineyard
42 Eggers RoadGreat food and wine
Beaches
Rabbit Island is a safe and scenic beach. Originally formed approximately 7000 years ago when a series of barrier islands developed near the mouth of the Waimea River, Rabbit Island is the largest of three sandy islands in the Waimea Estuary.
A local favourite all year round, you’ll often find families, couples and groups of friends enjoying the BBQ facilities and picnic areas that backdrop the beach and cover the reserve.
The 13km beach is connected with the Mapua Village by a cycle ferry, which transports cyclists travelling on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail to the next point in their journey. The bridge that connects Rabbit Island with the mainland offers a range of sightseeing pleasures for those travelling along the trail, and sightings of the diverse birdlife that play in the peppercress bushes of the estuary are not uncommon.
22 locals recommend
Rabbit Island
Rabbit Island is a safe and scenic beach. Originally formed approximately 7000 years ago when a series of barrier islands developed near the mouth of the Waimea River, Rabbit Island is the largest of three sandy islands in the Waimea Estuary.
A local favourite all year round, you’ll often find families, couples and groups of friends enjoying the BBQ facilities and picnic areas that backdrop the beach and cover the reserve.
The 13km beach is connected with the Mapua Village by a cycle ferry, which transports cyclists travelling on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail to the next point in their journey. The bridge that connects Rabbit Island with the mainland offers a range of sightseeing pleasures for those travelling along the trail, and sightings of the diverse birdlife that play in the peppercress bushes of the estuary are not uncommon.
Local Attraction
At the mouth of the vast Waimea Estuary the Mapua Wharf is home to a vibrant collection of restaurants, cafe's, galleries, stores and attractions. Eat fish and chips on the wharf, hire a bike and catch the ferry over to Rabbit Island or browse amongst the unique stores showcasing local artisans and quality goods.
62 locals recommend
Mapua Wharf
8 Aranui RdAt the mouth of the vast Waimea Estuary the Mapua Wharf is home to a vibrant collection of restaurants, cafe's, galleries, stores and attractions. Eat fish and chips on the wharf, hire a bike and catch the ferry over to Rabbit Island or browse amongst the unique stores showcasing local artisans and quality goods.
Nelson Speedway
123 Lansdowne RdSightseeing
Kaiteriteri