Families
Outdoors & Adventure
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Food & Drink

Families

Leave the crowds and queues behind and head to the top of the south for fun-filled adventures and lifelong memories for the whole family. If you’re looking for something new and exciting, why not try llama trekking in Kaikoura, where you can enjoy some fun with your family, quality time with these amazing animals and magnificent coastal views. Hop aboard the Weka Pass Railway, feed the farm animals in Hanmer Springs, visit the world-renowned Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Marlborough, burn off some steam at the Cable Bay Adventure Park in Nelson Tasman and try your hand at gold panning in Ross on the West Coast. Active families may enjoy the challenge of a hiking, biking or kayaking trip in this beautiful part of the world. Get off-grid at any number of DOC campsites including Gore Bay, Whites Bay, Tōtaranui, Puhi Puhi or Gillespies Beach during summer, or in winter head to the family-friendly ski fields of Lyford, Hanmer and Rainbow. Take a guided kayak tour around the Kaikōura Peninsula coast for a closer look at the acrobatic dolphins and friendly seals that live there, enjoy a peaceful stroll and opportunity to view rare birds on an island sanctuary in the Marlborough Sounds. Or take a tour with your tastebuds and cycle the family-friendly Great Taste Trail in Tasman, or marvel at the incredible limestone formations all along the West Coast - from the impressive Oparara Arches near Karamea, to Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki.From budget-friendly campsites and holiday parks to family-friendly motels, farmstays and lodges, there are accommodation options to suit any family and lifestyle, no matter what time of year you decide to holiday.

West Coast

Bassano Pizza Parlour

Nestled on Broadway Street in Reefton, Bassano Pizza Parlour combines historical charm with culinary excellence. Named after Frank Bassano, who arrived on the West Coast in 1908, the restaurant honours the Bassano family's Italian heritage with authentic wood-fired pizzas crafted using top-of-the-line equipment imported from Italy

Bassano Pizza Parlour
West Coast

The West Coast Pie Company

Paying homage to the West Coast three-course meal of a ‘pie and two beers’, the boutique West Coast Pie Co specialises in producing premium wild game pies. If you’re in Westport, make sure to stop in for a pie or something delicious from their bakery selection.

The West Coast Pie Company
West Coast

Hokitika Sandwich Company

The Hokitika Sandwich Company, located in the heart of Hokitika, offers a delightful array of gourmet sandwiches made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Known for their creative combinations and generous portions, the company serves up everything from classic favourites to inventive new flavours.

Hokitika Sandwich Company
West Coast

Shortjaw Brewery

Shortjaw Brewing, located in Westport, is a vibrant microbrewery known for its innovative craft beers and welcoming atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of the coastal town, Shortjaw Brewing offers a diverse selection of brews, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, all crafted with a focus on quality and local ingredients. The brewery’s cozy taproom provides a relaxed space for visitors to enjoy their beers, and is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts and locals alike.

Shortjaw Brewery
Nelson Tasman

The Gentle Cycling Company

For people who want the freedom to explore Nelson Tasman by bike in their own time, The Gentle Cycling Company offers premium self-guided cycling tours based in and around Nelson’s Great Taste Trail. From half day trips to multi-day adventures, The Gentle Cycling Company has got you covered.

The Gentle Cycling Company
Nelson Tasman

Nelson Market

The Nelson Market is well known for its fine produce and quality artistry. Every Saturday morning for more than 40 years, Nelson artesans have welcomed visitors to shop for fresh fruit and vegetables, taste gourmet local produce, browse locally made arts, crafts, jewellery and clothing and share brunch and coffee under the warm Nelson sun.

Nelson Market
Nelson Tasman

Mapua Wharf

Situated by the stunning Waimea Estuary, Mapua Wharf is the perfect destination to enjoy some retail therapy and dining with a sea view. Enjoy great coffee at Rabbit Island Coffee or Alberta’s, local seafood at the Smokehouse, wine with a view at Rimu Wine Bar or award winning meals at Jellyfish or The Apple Shed.

Mapua Wharf
Marlborough

Roots Gin Shack + Tasting Room

Located in the Vines Village, Roots Gin Shack is Marlborough's home of award-winning gin. Enjoy tasting rare boutique NZ Gin and our very own Roots Marlborough Dry Gin produced on site – awarded ‘NZs best gin’ at the 2021 NZ Spirit Awards and ‘World’s Best Gin’ at the 2023 World Gin Awards. From signature G&T or negroni on tap, and a menu of seasonal cocktails to exquisite wines and curated selection beers – there is something for everyone. Paired with an elegant menu from the team behind Franks Oyster Bar & Eatery, you can enjoy mouthwatering skewers, and other irresistible bites designed to complement our gin creations.

Roots Gin Shack + Tasting Room
Marlborough

14th Lane Boutique Hotel

Live like a local in Marlborough’s newest urban retreat, 14th lane. Designed and operated by some local legends in the Marlborough food scene, 14th Lane is a fully refurbished heritage building that combines elegant simplicity with luxury. Your restful stay is complemented with delicious breakfast options and a host of other services.

14th Lane Boutique Hotel
Marlborough

Frank’s Oyster Bar

The newest eatery in downtown Blenheim is Frank’s which opened its doors to much acclaim in 2022. Led by chef and local lad Sam, who has travelled the world, cooking up a storm, Frank’s offers an interesting and unique menu designed for sharing - highlighting the best local, seasonal fare on offer

Frank’s Oyster Bar
Marlborough

Lawson’s Dry Hills

Lawson’s Dry Hills has been making award-winning wine in Marlborough for more than 30 years, with a philosophy based on authenticity, enjoyment and sustainability. Pop in for a warm welcome, a tasting of their reserve wines and maybe even something a little bit special, such as one of their limited release wines.

Lawson’s Dry Hills
Marlborough

Tūpari Wines

On your way to Blenheim, stop in at Tūpari Wines cellar door for a taste of their unique wines, which are grown in the Awatere Valley sub-region of Marlborough. The Tūpari range is a true reflection of the varietals that grow best in the Upper Awatere Valley and comprises Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rosé and more.

Tūpari Wines
Hurunui

No.31 Restaurant

Enjoy sumptuous dining, featuring some of the best ingredients from Hurunui and New Zealand Head at the renowned No.31 Restaurant. This delightful little restaurant has been wowing guests for more than 10 years, with their award-winning menu, carefully curated by Chef Dean Robinson. Bookings are essential to avoid disappointment.

No.31 Restaurant
Hurunui

Waipara Hills Winery

Established in 2001, Waipara Hills has a proud history of creating award winning wines that celebrate their provenance. Sample their distinct range of aromatic varietals, plus Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosé and Pinot Noir. Then soak up the serenity of their stunning vineyards and rolling hills, while enjoying a delicious lunch at their licensed café.

Waipara Hills Winery
Hurunui

Pegasus Bay Winery

Named one of New Zealand’s top five wine producers, by the hallowed Master of Wine Bob Campbell, Pegasus Bay Winery has a reputation as one of Waipara’s top wineries, producing wines that are adventurous and unique. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of a wide selection of estate grown wines, including

Pegasus Bay Winery
Kaikōura

Nin’s Bin

Sought after by chefs and foodies around the world, Kaikōura crayfish is a true delicacy and nowhere does it better than Nin’s Bin. This iconic family business has been running for 50 years - one taste and you’ll understand why. Fresh, quality ingredients cooked simply - utterly delicious!

Nin’s Bin
Nelson Tasman

Wine Art & Wilderness

For the definitive guide to Nelson Tasman and Marlborough, get in touch with Wine Art and Wilderness, which specialises in exclusive luxury tours that get to the heart of what makes these regions so unique. Choose from a range of tours or ‘trust the guide’ to design a tour based on your specific interests.

Wine Art & Wilderness
Marlborough

Marlborough Tour Company

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds with the afternoon Seafood Odyssea Cruise, departing Picton. As you cruise through Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound, take in the natural beauty of the area and sample local seafood such as Regal salmon, Greenshell mussels, paired beautifully with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Marlborough Tour Company
Marlborough

Toastie Lords

They may be simple, but there’s a reason why the toasted sandwiches from Toastie Picton have become an instant classic since opening in 2021- they’re mind blowingly delicious! The ultimate in comfort food and the best thing to warm yourself up with after a day on the water, Toastie is a definite Picton must-do!

Toastie Lords
Kaikōura

The Pier Hotel

Situated on the Kaikōura waterfront, The Pier Hotel is a classic Kiwi pub set in an iconic nineteenth century character hotel guesthouse and restaurant. Sip a beer outdoors while soaking up the magnificent sea and mountain views, or enjoy a delicious meal in the cosy restaurant, famous for the freshest seafood and locally caught crayfish.

The Pier Hotel
Marlborough

Yealands Wines

Enjoy a wine tasting and learn about Yealands Wines commitment to sustainability at their cellar door near Seddon. Set among their stunning vineyards, take the 40-minute self-guided tour along The White Road, with wetlands, chickens, classical music in the vines, miniature babydoll sheep, kunekune pigs and plenty of beautiful picnic spots along the way.

Yealands
West Coast

Monteith’s Brewery

Located in Greymouth, the iconic Monteith’s Brewery is the original home of craft brewing in New Zealand. Take the guided 45-minute brewery experience tour to learn about craft beer and the brewing process. Pour your own beer from the tap and relax in their lively restaurant and enjoy something from their locally inspired menu.

Monteith’s Brewery
Kaikōura

Sudima Kaikōura

Located right on the edge of the stunning Kaikōura coastline, Sudima Kaikōura is a brand new 4.5-star hotel with stunning views of mountains and sea. It’s just a short walk from the township’s retail centre and main activity and attraction booking centres, making it the ideal place to stay.

Sudima Kaikōura
Nelson Tasman

Pic’s Peanut Butter World

Peanut butter lovers, this one’s for you! Pic’s world-famous peanut butter tours have been designed for people of all ages to share the wonder in how New Zealand’s most-loved peanut butter is made. Complete your tour with a visit to their dedicated peanut butter store and eatery.

Pic's Peanut Butter World
Marlborough

Dodson Street Beer Garden

The home of locally brewed beer Renaissance, the Dodson Street Beer Garden is a family-friendly restaurant with a great selection of craft beers on tap and arguably the best beer garden in Blenheim! A brew and hearty pub feed in the sunny garden tops the must-do list for many locals.

Dodson Street
Kaikōura

Emporium Brewing

Located in the beautiful seaside town of Kaikoura, Emporium Brewing is far more than just a brewery. With an 18 hole mini golf course, two Escape Rooms and a new on-site bar, Emporium provides a range of activities for all ages. Sample their local brews and enjoy some lunch at their on-site bar.

Emporium Brewing
Kaikōura

Fish and chips on the beach

Looking for some freedom and fun? Grab a feed at the local fish and chip shop and head to the beach! View the wildlife, explore the rocks, search the flotsam and jetsam and feast on some locally caught fish and chips - there’s no better way to end the day!

Fish & Chips
West Coast

Reefton Distilling Co

For a genuine taste of the intrepid spirit of the West Coast and its people, a trip to the Reefton Distilling Co is a great place to start. Housed in one of Reefton’s beautiful heritage buildings, the distillery produces premium handcrafted spirits distilled from the West Coast’s lush rainforest.

Reefton Distilling Co
Hurunui

Hanmer Springs Hotel

Set among mature trees, with stunning views of the Southern Alps, this beautifully restored local landmark has been transformed into a resort with outdoor swimming pool, tennis and petanque courts. Enjoy local wines and cuisine at the elegant restaurant and bar, which features a roaring fire in winter, or al fresco dining in summer.

Hanmer Springs Hotel
Marlborough

Explore Marlborough

With its warm, sunny climate, flat terrain and large number of cellar doors, Marlborough is the ideal place to experience a wine tour by bike. With a wide range of bikes and e-bikes and located close to a dozen cellar doors, Explore Marlborough offers a range of guided and unguided cycle wine tours.

Explore Marlborough
Marlborough

Harvest Restaurant

For a relaxed gastronomical experience in a unique location, head to Harvest Restaurant. Located on the ‘Golden Mile’ of Marlborough’s winegrowing area and set among 16 acres of secluded park gardens and vineyards, guests can enjoy an ever-changing menu, featuring the best seasonal local produce, with attention to sustainable practices.

Harvest restaurant
Marlborough

Arbour Restaurant

Tucked among the vines in the heart of wine country, no trip to Marlborough is complete without dining at the darling of Marlborough’s food scene, Arbour. Established in 2015, by chef Bradley Hornby and hospitality superstar Liz Buttimore, Arbour offers innovative cuisine, an extensive wine list and warm, friendly service in a modern and relaxed environment.

Arbour
Marlborough

Marlborough Wine Tours

If you are looking for the perfect way to explore and experience the very best of New Zealand wine, Marlborough Wine Tours’ half day tour is the ideal starting point. Tour four different wineries with an opportunity to taste a variety of the region’s best wines, including Marlborough’s flagship Sauvignon Blanc and world-class Pinot Noir.

Marlborough Wine Tours
Kaikōura

Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses

Treat yourself to a little luxury and stunning ocean views at the Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses. Set on Kaikōura’s rugged coastline, Hapuku Lodge is also one of the best places in the region to experience the stunning produce that is grown, caught and foraged right here in Kaikōura.

Hapuku Lodge
Marlborough

Cloudy Bay

Experience the iconic Marlborough wine label at the Cloudy Bay cellar door. Discover their award-winning wines with a tasting menu, or enjoy a unique lunch at Jack’s Raw Bar, renowned for its freshly shucked oysters and vibrant sharing dishes. To delve deeper into Marlborough’s unique environment and its amazing produce, book a private tour.

Cloudy Bay
Kaikōura

Kaikōura Heli Gin Experience

Enjoy a scenic flight around the Peninsula & Kaikōura before landing on majestic Mt Fyffe. Take in the stunning views while sipping on award winning Mt Fyffe Distillery Gin, hearing the story behind it all from the distiller herself.

Kaikōura Heli Gin Experience
Kaikōura

Hapuku Kitchen

Tap into the rich food story of Kaikōura with a culinary adventure or dining experience at Hapuku Kitchen. Created by passionate foodies Fiona Read and Chris Sturgeon, their private cooking classes and culinary tours provide a tasty and tangible way to connect with the land and sea.

Hapuku Kitchen
Kaikōura

Feast on Kaikōura's famous crayfish

Enjoy a meal of crayfish in Kaikōura at one of the many restaurants or roadside stores. A town well known for their seafood offering, the name Kaikōura translates into "to eat crafish".

Famous Crayfish
Hurunui

Greystone Wines

Pop in for a tasting, or enjoy a long lunch at stunning Greystone Wines in Wairarapa, who have been proudly crafting award-winning, organic wines since 2004. Their menu is inspired by some of the region’s best local produce and their world-famous Vineyard Ferment Pinot Noir and flagship Chardonnays are a must-try.

Greystone Wines

Top of the South Destinations

Hurunui

From the rolling hills and wineries of Waiparato the rugged limestone cliffs along the east coast, the incredible vistas, relaxed vibe and warm Kiwi hospitality in Hurunui offers an opportunity to slowdown and make the most of your visit.

Kaikoura

From the thrill of whale spotting by plane, trekking with llamas and visiting with seals, there are so many exciting opportunities to explore this unique area by land, sea or air. The waters in this part of the world are home to a vast array of marine mammals and birdlife which can be viewed from above and below the waves.

Marlborough

Dreamy sunsets, calm reflections and star-filled nights - you couldn’t ask for a more inspiring backdrop to create un-filled holiday memories with your loved ones.  Explore the four valleys that create Marlborough, meet the passionate people who live, work and play there and learn about their connection with the land.

Nelson Tasman

Nelson Tasman has an incredible arts and events scene, an exciting and diverse range of food and beverage producers and an indelible connection with the outdoors. Along with a vibrant array of fresh produce and artisan products, boutique wineries, craft breweries and award winning cider makers can all be found in this part of the world.

West Coast

From its stunning coastline to the epic peaks of the Southern Alps, the West Coast is a place of stunning natural beauty and the ideal spot for a getaway. Whether the hills are calling your name, or you prefer a more laid-back approach to taking some time out, there is no better place to re-set, recharge and reconnect.

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