Rows upon rows of fresh hops line rural roadsides in the Nelson Tasman region and it's been that way since the early 1840's.
Early German settlers planted hops and created the beer brewing traditions that still hold strong today. Find out more about the oldest beer region in New Zealand.
Established in 1850, Moutere Inn is the oldest pub(opens in new window) in New Zealand. Just 30 minutes drive from Nelson, the pub serves New Zealand beer and wine. You can park up and stay the night too as there is space for self-contained campers and a hearty pub menu.
Located in Onekaka in the heart of Golden Bay, The Mussel Inn(opens in new window) is known to have produced New Zealand’s first recorded brew which British explorer Captain James Cook made from a blend of tea and leaves from native forest trees. Named ‘Captain Cooker’, this historic brew is an all malt beer made from locally grown organic hops and flavoured with freshly picked tips of the native mānuka tree.
Interested to know more about the history of New Zealand beer? Take a step back in time at the Hop and Beer Museum(opens in new window) at Founders Heritage Park in Nelson.
Grab your mates and celebrate all things beer. Every single beer at MarchFest(opens in new window) has been specially brewed for the event and have never previously been tasted by the public before. This is one beer festival you don't want to miss.
Each year local breweries, wineries and eateries come together at Nelson's greatest beer, cider and food festival, Taste Tasman Festival(opens in new window).
Plan your weekend getaway and enjoy brews that'll suit every taste bud. Learn more about your favourite beer at the share and learn seminas. Relax with friends in the hang-out zones and enjoy live entertainment from some of New Zealand's most talented musicians.
A self-guided cycle trail is a beer-lovers must do when in Nelson Tasman.
The Nelson Craft Beer Cycle Trail(opens in new window) and taste refreshing local beers in all corners of this sunny, laid back region.
Craft breweries of all sizes now stretch from the Founders Heritage Park to Onekaka in Golden Bay and are the perfect excuse for a half-day or full-day of exploring and sampling the local product. Plan your beer route with the Craft Beer Trail map(opens in new window).
