Nelson Tasman Settlement Support

A Partnership between Department of Labour and Nelson City Council

Dining and nightlife

Dining out

From casual, outdoor or ethnic eating to fine dining with local produce, Nelson and Tasman have a wide range of BYO and licensed cafès and restaurants, in the city centres, along the Nelson waterfront, at Tahunanui and Cable Bay. Fresh seafood features on most menus - don’t miss Tasman Bay oysters and scallops in season, matched with local sauvignon blanc.

The Eat Drink Nelson Guide, available from the i-SITE Visitor Centre or Nelson City Council, has listings with price and menu information.

Nightlife

Night life ranges from early evening conviviality through to late night dance parties. The Victoria Rose in Nelson’s CBD features regular local music, the Shark Club for cool pool, the House of Ales for a beer and good honest food, and Liquid for city sophistication. Sprig and Fern, found in three locations in Richmond and Nelson, is the place for a friendly neighbourhood beer, and Hopgoods in Nelson and Bouterey’s on Queen Street in Richmond for handcrafted fresh organic delicacies. If it’s dance music you’re after, head toward Bridge Street to find plenty of venues for live music, dance, disco and karaoke.

Movie theatre

State Cinema Centre, Trafalgar Street. Nine cinemas with the latest movies, a cafè and family entertainment centre. Suter Cinema, Bridge Street, for festivals and art-house movies. Screening details for both at www.statecinema6.co.nz, pick up listings at the cinemas or check the newspaper.

Orchestral, classical and chamber music

The Nelson School of Music’s century-old auditorium is an acoustic favourite with top New Zealand singers. Nelson Cathedral is also used for orchestral, chamber and choral concerts.