Motueka
T.O.A.D Hall
T.O.A.D Hall in Motueka is one of those delightfully unexpected finds that feels both timelessly local and refreshingly innovative. Housed in a lovingly restored 1850s Anglican church – the Old Anglican Diocesan Hall – it has blossomed from a humble fruit-and-veg shop into a bustling community hub with heart and soul.
With its onsite organic market garden, craft brewery, and quirky wooden playground, it’s a haven for families, foodies, coffee lovers, and anyone keen to experience true Kiwi hospitality. Another cool thing about T.O.A.D Hall is their sustainability. From solar power and composting to ethically sourced produce, every decision has been made to nourish the people, the town, and the planet.
In short, T.O.A.D Hall is more than just a pit stop – it's an experience. The kind that fills your belly, warms your heart, and gives you a sense of deeper connection to both Motueka and the people who call it home.
Motueka Saltwater Baths
Nestled along the Motueka foreshore, the Motueka Saltwater Baths are a quietly magical spot you might easily miss – but once discovered, you’ll wonder how you ever overlooked it. If you’re looking for things to do, these baths are the only saltwater baths in Nelson Tasman!
These heritage-listed tidal pools date back to the 1920s when a local shark scare prompted community fundraising for a safe swimming enclosure, and today it feels like a hidden slice of coastal serenity - . perfect for sunset lounging, family picnics, and summer BBQs. This awesome location should be on your travel bucket list, with incredible surrounding views making a perfect photo location!
The Smoking Barrel
Right in the heart of Motueka, sits the Smoking Barrel. A warm, wood-lined restaurant serving top-tier American-style BBQ and gourmet donuts. This family-run restaurant has been smoking all their meats low & slow since 2016, serving various items like briskets, ribs, and pulled pork – creating deeply flavorful, fall‑off‑the‑bone goodness.
Breakfast and brunch take a playful turn with dishes like chicken‑waffles and café classics infused with BBQ twists, while dessert steals the spotlight – locals' line up for their iconic donuts, dubbed “world-famous” and “the small-town donut capital of NZ”.
This highly rated spot is more than a meal – it's an experience worth taking a detour for, offering a blend of hearty comfort food, sweet indulgence, and the welcoming spirit of small-town New Zealand. For an added bonus, TOP 10 Members receive 5% off the bill, just show your card to the team when you pay!
Accommodation
Nestled just a leisurely 300 m stroll from Motueka’s vibrant cafés, shops, Sunday market, and bank, Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park offers both convenience and calm in equal measure. Its peaceful, park-like setting under mature trees plays host to native birdlife – ideal for families, groups, couples, and solo travellers seeking both comfort and community.
Kids (and big kids) rave about the heated swimming pool, complete with a water slide and climbing wall, plus separate spa, jumping pillow, playgrounds, and “fun bikes” for hire – perfectly curated for all-age enjoyment.
Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park isn’t just a place to rest your head – it’s a lively, welcoming hub that complements your adventures in Tasman, offering comfort, convenience, and community charm. If you're looking for Abel Tasman Accommodation, check out this Park!
Pohara
Paines Ford Swimming Holes
Tucked just 3 km south of Tākaka, Paines Ford Swimming Holes are the kind of secret oasis that locals treasure and visitors can’t help but fall for. A gentle 30‑minute walk along the old tramline, which operated from the early 1880s to 1905, leads you through native bush and brings you to crystalline pools carved into the Tākaka River.
If you’re researching things to do in Tasman, these swimming holes each offer their own charm: some have sandy edges perfect for stretching out or picnicking; others offer deep-water rope swings and natural diving platforms that promise instant adventure.
It’s an idyllic all‑ages escape that feels like one of Golden Bay's best-kept local treasures.
Tākaka Golf Club
For all those golf enthusiasts looking for things to do in Tasman, look no further than this unexpected gem – far from your typical resort style golf course. This scenic eighteen-hole links-style layout, framed by panoramic views of Golden Bay, the estuary, and rolling Kahurangi mountains, offers golfers of all levels a refreshing challenge with its undulating fairways and well-paced greens.
What makes it special? For just $30 green fees, you can tee off, soak up unbeatable coastal scenery, then unwind on the clubhouse deck with fellow golfers over a drink – no booking required, just warm community spirit. Whether you're chasing birdies or simply a peaceful round by the sea, Tākaka Golf Club is a low-key local classic that rewards your swing and is good for the soul.
Dancing Sands Distillery
Tucked into the heart of Tākaka’s charming main street, Dancing Sands Distillery is a small-batch spirit-maker that elevates a visit into a full sensory experience – making it a true hidden gem. Born in 2016 from a curious couple’s leap of faith, the distillery now prides itself on crafting internationally awarded gin, rum, and vodka, all made on-site using locally foraged botanicals and aquifer-sourced water.
The welcoming cellar door offers free tastings and a peek into the gleaming stills, plus friendly chats with staff eager to share the stories behind each quirky flavour – whether it’s a Manuka-infused Dry Gin or the cheeky “Lazy Days Lychee” variant. If you’re travelling with a bigger group, book the gang in for a private tour and experience Dancing Sands Distillery for yourself.
Accommodation
Staying at Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park is like having Golden Bay’s most picturesque playground right at your doorstep. This beachfront oasis spans over 12 acres of lush, landscaped grounds with direct access to the safe, family-friendly sands of Pohara Beach – ideal for early-morning swims, sunset strolls, and spontaneous beach games.
It caters to all travel styles with a range of accommodation options – from beachfront motels and self-contained cabins to powered and unpowered campsites – so whether you're a couple, a family, or a campervan crew, you’ll find your perfect fit. The Park buzzes with activity in summer and stays peacefully serene in the off-season, yet the stunning vista never changes. With top‑notch amenities like communal kitchen and bathrooms, BBQ areas, TV/recreation room, playground, free unlimited Wi‑Fi, bike hire, dump station, and nearby fish‑cleaning facilities – you’ll have everything you need without stepping too far.
When it comes to Abel Tasman Accommodation, look no further than Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park!
Nelson
The Suter Art Gallery (Te Aratoi o Whakatū)
Tucked alongside the tranquil, tree‑lined paths of Queen’s Gardens, The Suter Art Gallery (Te Aratoi o Whakatū) is a true hidden gem in Nelson’s cultural crown. Housed in one of Aotearoa’s oldest public galleries, this stunning heritage building seamlessly blends Victorian charm with sleek modern extensions – renovated in 2016 to preserve its original character while adding bold contemporary spaces. If you’re looking for things to do in Nelson, look no further.
Free to enter year‑round, the gallery is a treasure trove of nationally significant art – boasting New Zealand’s largest collection of John Gully watercolours and prized works by modernist masters like Mount Toss Woollaston.
What sets The Suter apart is its lively blend of art, architecture, and community. Wander through rotating exhibitions, catch a film or talk in the intimate theatre, or join a family-friendly workshop – all bathed in natural light spilling through walls of windows overlooking the gardens and eel pond.
Be sure to linger at the café – a serene hideaway with floor‑to‑ceiling views – before browsing the gallery shop filled with exquisite locally crafted keepsakes. If you're seeking a peaceful, enriching escape from the usual tourist trails, The Suter Art Gallery and Queen’s Gardens offer a cultural oasis that feels like Nelson’s best-kept secret.
Pic's Peanut Butter World
Pic’s Peanut Butter World is Nelson’s delightfully quirky behind‑the‑scenes look at how Kiwi-made peanut butter goes from nut to jar, right in our local backyard!
In their purpose-built, whimsically designed 3,500 m² factory (think Willy Wonka, but for peanut butter), visitors can watch the massive "Roasting Matilda" oven fire up, see conveyors at work, smell freshly roasted peanuts, and even have a go at grinding your own batch – topped off with free tastings of all Pic’s award‑winning flavours.
The experience is more than just a tour; it’s a sensory journey powered by friendly guides, a lively café by Pomeroy’s, and a brand with strong Kiwi roots – hand-mixed, no preservatives, and a portion of profits and jar returns supporting local causes and conservation efforts.
Whether you're a peanut butter fanatic or just love a family-friendly, locally‑grown experience, Pic’s Peanut Butter World is a hidden gem in Nelson worth putting on your list of things to do and spreading the word about.
The Nelson Markets
Every Saturday morning, Nelson Markets transform Montgomery Square into a vibrant tapestry of Kiwi creativity, culture, and cuisine – a hidden gem that captures the heart of Nelson.
With over 200 stalls selling everything from farm‑fresh produce and homemade jams to handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, and woollens, it’s a celebration of local talent and passion. Here, you can taste the region’s bounty – artisan cheese, organic veggies, delicious street food (think lamb wraps, bratwursts, and international treats) – all while enjoying live music and vibrant conversations with the people behind the products.
Whether you’re after a flavourful brunch, a unique souvenir, or a taste of genuine Nelson hospitality, this market is not just a shopping spot – it’s a Saturday tradition that feels as much a hidden gem as a treasured staple.
Accommodation
Nestled just a 20‑minute stroll or quick 5‑minute drive from central Nelson, Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort for discovering the region.
This urban oasis features a garden, playground with trampoline, library, communal TV/recreation room, plus free unlimited Wi‑Fi and gas BBQs – perfect for families, solo travelers, or groups. Guests consistently praise its sparkling-clean cabins, motel units, and powered sites (with dump station), all backed by friendly, helpful staff who make setting up adventure-packed days stress-free.
Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park is more than a place to sleep – it’s your local home base for memorable Tasman adventures.
Whether you're craving coastal calm, swimming adventures, creative cuisine, or a splash of quirky local charm, the Tasman region delivers it all in spades – and often just off the beaten track. From the artisan alleys of Nelson to the sun-soaked shores of Pohara and the foodie delights of Motueka, every corner has its own secret waiting to be uncovered.
Staying at a TOP 10 Holiday Park puts you right at the heart of it – close to the action, but with all the comforts of home. So, pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and explore Tasman like a local. The best stories always start with a hidden gem.