Based in Nelson - the northern part of South Island, Pic's Peanut Butter is undoubtedly one of New…read moreZealand's favorite spreads. Peanut butter enthusiasts as well as foodies from around the world trek here not only to learn about peanuts, but also to experience where the magic begins. Pic's Peanut Butter offers daily tours of the factory and guests will have opportunity to watch the process as nuts tumble out of Roasting Matilda and feed into the grinder before being squirted into jars. After the tours (approximately 40 minutes), be sure to make your way to the cafe for some amazing delights. With the use of peanut and peanut butter as key ingredients, you'll find variety of creative sweet and savory options that will fancy any taste buds. The gift shop is a great place to pick up some souvenirs or stock up on more peanut butter goodies. More importantly, Pic's Peanut Butter is committed to giving back to local community and to the world. They give out free tumblers for donations of any size. Thanks Barney & Olly for your generous hospitality (and private tour) while visiting Pic's Peanut Butter!

What a refreshing rustic restaurant and fresh food market located in Motueka. Loved the natural,…read morerustic, and open restaurant area located just past the doors upon entering the food market, its expansive floor plan rotating between different indoor and outdoor areas. They are family-owned and operated, the love and attention put into the natural, wooded space quite apparent. Menu items are sourced locally so they are as fresh as possible. I had the Lamb Burger with their "world famous" slow roasted lamb patty, topped with a fresh picked salad, mint jelly, and tomato salsa. The lamb burger patty was actually shredded meat -- rather than minced -- and packed into a puck. It was a little tough to tear the meat, a fork coming in handy to eventually deconstruct the burger. The salad portion was extraordinary as well, requiring the use of the fork to pick away at it before crafting the burger/ sandwich. Overall though, it was ultra yummy, scrumptious burger, the mint jelly combo enhancing the enjoyability greatly. It left me feeling satiated though not overly bloated. The freshness was prominent indeed. Beers were flowing and while they claim to host a keg of nearby Hop Federation, the single offering was somewhat basic (a pilsener). I actually opted for a local Pinot Noir, a lovely pairing with the Lamb Burger. The TOAD Hall is an easy option while in Motueka and Tasman area!

Toad Hall Cafe is a gem! Beautiful and slightly rustic restaurant with a lovely country store…read moreattached. Excellent menu for breakfast and lunch (my boys LOVED the Biscoff French Toast, I enjoyed the eggs Benedict on sour dough and excellent coffee). Outdoor play area for kids, some lovely outdoor seating too. We may actually eat here all 3 days of our trip to the area!

Centrally located cafe, facing the carpark where the weekend markets are held. It has a modern day…read morehippy vibe with a collection of retro furniture, crocheted lampshades and wild paint colours. A local 'insisted' I come here and try the best cheese scones in Nelson. It was a great scone, the addition of cayenne pepper in the mix have it an extra kick. The day I visited, they were disappearing fast. Plenty of other cabinet food on offer, including a few vegetarian options and good, hot coffee.

Nice little cafe in quiet Motueka, at the base of Abel Tasman. They have lots of freshly made…read morethings to choose from in the cabinet and a full, all day breakfast menu. We ordered the museli, cheddar drop scone which was huge and a blueberry sour cream cake. Coffee was strong, and everything was fresh. Food came out fast and the ladies behind the counter were great. Recommended for a breakfast or lunch stop!

Cute little cafe for breakfast…read more There is all day breakfast and then lunch on the menu, with mostly the typical fare of eggs, pancakes, panini, salads, sandwiches, fish & chips and the like. I had the pancakes, which came with maple syrup, berry sauce, a bud of whipped cream, and a slice of bacon. Vegetarian also available. The pancakes were a tad dry, but helped by the syrup. There were two pancakes, fairly wide and thick enough to make it a good serving. Service was friendly and fast enough, but it's not fast food here. 4.25 stars

This seems to be the more wholesome version of a supermarket in Nelson. Yes there is the Countdown…read moreand New World Market, but Fresh Choice is smaller and has more "local". These are locally operated under a franchise model so different stores have different management, but at least for now it still has that charm. We loved the various fresh produce and the set of organic choices was great. We were fortunate to be able to just walk there from our lodgings and it was nice to get a fresh batch of organic produce for the evening. So if you are in Nelson, give this spot a try, its nicer that the more typical spots around town.

When traveling abroad I enjoy stopping by supermarkets to see what different items are available…read morefrom those standard at my local California supermarket. While walking around downtown Nelson we stumbled upon Fresh Choice. We saw interesting vegetables, substantial meat substitute options, a automated wine tasting system, and a nice selection of Whittaker's chocolates at good prices. I stocked up on the chocolate for gifts for friends. The cashier was very friendly. We found it well worth the visit during our limited time in Nelson.

A no frills, cafeteria-like bakery and cafe located on the main Motueka drive serving meat pies,…read morecoffee, and other sweet pastries. It's very popular with the locals for a convenient and quick roadside grab-and-go from the off-street parking and for the cheap prices. The pies were still $8 though and kept in a warmer. You grab them yourself with the provided tongs to put onto a plate or takeaway sleeve. I had the Butter Chicken. It was nice and creamy though the pastry was quite flimsy and a little on the dryer side. I'd describe these pies as more bite-sized than loaded. There are no toilets so even though there are tables for eating in, it's not a place to linger. No matter as we wanted something quick before embarking on the day's adventures.

Good coffee and delicious cinnamon brioche - but at $20.50 for two coffees and the brioche it is…read moreofficially the most expensive cafe I have been into in NZ. Funky place but won't be buying there again.

Excellent coffee shop with a welcoming vibe and scrumptious pastries. Coffee will get you shaking…read moreyour tail feathers more often than a fantail. Decor is chill. Comfy couches abound. Sweet spot to relax, hang out, power up or wind down. Free WiFi with varying codes, avail at the counter. Sodas available too. Love this spot.

Delicious savory pies, tasty coffee, friendly and prompt service, and a cozy setting in which to…read moreenjoy it all! Lovely spot.

On our way out of town, a long drive down to Hokitika, we had to stop somewhere for flat whites and…read morebreakfast of some kind, and we had noticed this place on our previous evening's walk as we looked for a bite. I went with a steak and dark horse ale pie, which was good. Really nice flaky pastry. Yes, for breakfast, no don't look at me funny, sometimes I don't want a croissant, sometimes I want...well...yes. Lunch. Anyway - if I lived in the area, this would be on my regular list.