Nelson-Tasman

The Nelson-Tasman region covers the top of the west coast of the South Island. Horticulture has been an important part of the region for many years - apples, pears and kiwifruit in Motueka, hops in Upper Moutere, vines in Brightwater and tomatoes in Nelson CBD. This is a fiercely proud region with an immense food culture, the centre of which is the Saturday morning Nelson Market. It has been the incubator for many small food businesses and ideas. The warm and sunny climate creates great growing conditions for a multitude of products. German settlers in Upper Moutere discovered that the area's perfect sun/rain ratio grows the best hops. Upper Moutere hops are acclaimed the world over, and that supports a growing craft beer community. This enviable weather also creates the ideal home for booming horticulture. Apples, pears and kiwifruit are perfect for export but also complement the burgeoning cider manufacturers. 

Nelson has a simple food aesthetic - good-quality ingredients, cooked to perfection. Hospitality and tourism are experiencing huge growth as the beauty of the region cause thousands to flock to the area over the gorgeous summer months. Nelson-Tasman is a must visit for any food, wine and craft beer connoisseur. The regions chefs pride themselves on knowing who grew their fruit, the paddock that their vegetables came from and who caught their fish. It's a sense of close community that is unusual of a growing town and region of this size.