Nelson Tasman

18/06/2026

They did it! The Smoking Barrel has kept the crown! Congratulations! 🙌 Monteith's Brewing Co Wild Food Challenge 2026 winner!

16/06/2026

In just a couple of days, The Smoking Barrel will be competing in the finals of the Monteith's Brewing Co Wild Food Challenge 2026🔥

Their dish, Forest to the Sea, tells the story of wild New Zealand ingredients and the incredible local people behind them. From foraged Neudorf Mushrooms and wild venison to yellowfoot pāua, kina and kawakawa, every element has been carefully sourced, crafted and prepared over months of planning and hard work.

More than a dish, it’s a celebration of community, craftsmanship and the wild flavours of the Top of the South.

Let's keep the trophy in Nelson Tasman! 💪

05/06/2026

Winter has arrived in our region, and with it comes a whole bunch of new reasons to get out and explore. From creative workshops and cosy local flavours to exciting events, conservation success stories and fresh places to discover, there’s plenty happening across our region.

Start planning your next winter outing 👇
nelsontasman.nz/explore/plan-your-trip/seasonal-guides/winter/whats-new-2026

03/06/2026

How good!? 🙌

A bumper summer of T20 international cricket is set for Nelson! ☀️

Join CRICKET NATION at nzc.nz for an exclusive pre-sale in August 🎟️

28/05/2026

NZ MTB Rally TOURS are officially back for 2027, and are now a permanent fixture of our NZ programme.

ALL THE ADVENTURE OF NZ MTB RALLY...BUT WITHOUT THE PRESSURE OF RACING.

The feedback from this year’s Tour riders honestly exceeded all expectations.
The vibe, camaraderie, adventure, logistics and riding experience worked exactly as we had hoped — and by popular demand, we’re bringing the Rally-Tour option back next March.

We're very aware that the pressure of racing isn't for everyone - but we also know for sure that many of you who follow The Rally would love to discover the Nelson-Tasman region at a more relaxed pace. Imagine having your own low-pressure group of riding buddies - doing your own thing, but still feeling fully included in the fun and festivities of the main event. Yes, that includes our famous mountainside feed stations and BBQs, post-ride beers, and meeting friendly like-minded folk from all over the world. Plus the added support of dedicated medical crew and professional mountain support - which you can't get on any 'regular' guided tour.

Oh, did we mention the heli drop, boat ride, and 4x4 off-road shuttles?? 😉

Check-out our website for info (look for the new 'tours' section in the menu).
https://nzmtbrally.com/nz-nelson-mtb-tours/

27/05/2026

📣 Be in to win one of three double passe to Make It Nelson this June! 📣
Throughout June, Nelson’s makers, artists and craftspeople are throwing open their studio doors for a month long celebration of creativity. This is your chance to roll up your sleeves and get hands on at one of these inspiring workshops.

🏮 Lantern Making & Calligraphy
Enjoy a relaxed, hands on cultural experience for all ages as you create your own lantern and decorate it with Chinese and European calligraphy.
📅 Sat 6 & 13 June, 2pm to 5pm
📍 Cultural Conversations Nelson, 123 Bridge Street

✏️ Walk Talk Draw
Explore the Queens Gardens with a sketchbook, then make a collaborative drawing in the Suter Art Gallery classroom.
📅 Sun 14 & 21 June, 9am to 12pm
📍 Queens Gardens & The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū

🎨 Indian Folk Painting
Create your own two tone canvas while discovering the stories and meanings behind this traditional Indian tribal art.
📅 Sun 14 & 21 June, 9am to 12pm
📍 NMIT G Block

To enter, sign up via the link below. Competition closes 3 June and winners will be announced the following day. Keep an eye on your inbox 👀
https://mailchi.mp/nelsontasman/makeit

T&Cs apply (nelsontasman.nz/prize-draw-terms-and-conditions)

19/05/2026

👐 Nelson Clay Week 2026 is here — and the programme is now live! 🎉

From 3–9 October, Whakatū Nelson will transform into Aotearoa’s ultimate celebration of clay, creativity and community. Expect hands-on workshops, inspiring exhibitions, artist talks, live demonstrations, pottery markets, evening events and the return of the much-loved Potters Square! 🏺✨

Whether you’re a seasoned ceramic artist, curious beginner, collector, or simply love getting creative, there’s something in this year’s programme for everyone.

Explore the full programme and book your spot here 👉 https://www.clayweek.co.nz/

'the most celebrated mess in Aotearoa — a week of clay, community and creativity in Whakatū Nelson'💥🔥



Photo credit: Jason Oldfield

19/05/2026

Pretty stoked to see our region featured by Forbes as one of the world’s top beer destinations for 2026 🍻

From world class hops to legendary local pours, it’s awesome to see places like McCashin's, Eddyline Brewery, Sprig + Fern and Flavourtorium at The Free House getting a well deserved shout out.

Cheers to the brewers, growers and good sorts putting Nelson Tasman on the map! Aliment Brewing The Mussel Inn Hop Federation

🤝 NZ Hops Ltd

Full story 👉 forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2026/05/16/beer-destinations-around-the-world-worth-traveling-for-in-2026/

From Bangkok’s craft-beer rebellion and Riga’s pagan ales to a Bavarian monastery that has been brewing for nearly a thousand years, these are the cities, taprooms, abbeys and farms worth building a trip around right now.
Read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2026/05/16/beer-destinations-around-the-world-worth-traveling-for-in-2026/?utm_campaign=ForbesMainFB&utm_source=ForbesMainFacebook&utm_medium=social
Photo: Getty Images