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Eating on the Great Taste Trail
While cycling the Great Taste Trail, you can visit an enticing range of restaurants, breweries, cafes, wineries, and artisan food producers. Behind each of these places, is the vision and energy of extraordinary people. Visiting these places and meeting their people, creates a richer experience of Nelson.
We would like to thank Neil Hodgson for the content of many of these articles.
McCashins Brewery Kitchen and Bar
While cycling along the Railway Reserve Cycleway near the Great Taste Trail in central Stoke, it’s just a very short detour to Mc Cashins.
Stoke Brewery
Located in the same premises as McCashins, the Stoke Brewery is part of the McCashin family heritage.
Kaimira Estates
Kaimira Estates is an organic winery located just a few minutes by bike from Brightwater village on the Great Taste Trail Rail Route.
Grape Escape Café
This rural café is located just 5 minutes off the Great Taste Trail Rail Route at Appleby.
Falcon Ridge Estate
In August 2017, a Falcon Ridge Estate Syrah style wine won a national award at a prestigious NZ wine competition.
La Capilla
This charming restaurant specialises in Mediterranean style food and is the passion project of a talented Japanese chef.
Wangapeka Cheese
The Wangapeka Cheese shop is the retail store for these wonderful locally made cheeses.
Jellyfish Restaurant & Bar
Located in the coastal village of Mapua, right on the Great Taste Trail, this restaurant has been built on the theme of a seaside place to dine while enjoying the birdlife and changing tides.
Mapua Country Store
The Mapua Country Store is another foodie destination brimming with local treats.
Rimu Wine Bar
Rimu Wine Bar is located on the old wharf in Mapua, on the Great Taste Trail Coastal Route.
The Smoking Barrel
Located in the township of Motueka on the Great Taste Trail Coastal Route, The Smoking Barrel offers a menu that includes slow barbecue smoked meats and seafood, and a huge range of disgustingly delicious donuts.
Hop Federation
Hop Federation is a lively boutique brewery in the village of Riwaka, on the Great Taste Trail Coastal Route.
T.O.A.D Hall Store & Cafe
T.O.A.D Hall is located in an old church with quite a history, right on the Great Taste Trail, at the southern end of the town of Motueka.
The Townsend Brewery
A family friendly micro-brewery located to compliment the atmosphere at Toad Hall café in Motueka, right on the Great Taste Trail.
Ginger Dynamite Cafe
Ginger Pop, award-winning smoked fish pies, and great coffee are some of the specialities of this red container-cafe.
Dunbar Estates
Hodgson meets a couple who have turned a run down farm into a winery, café and tasting room, popular with cyclists, located in rural Ngatimoti.
Moutere Hills Vineyard, Café & Winery
Just a few beautiful cycling minutes from the Upper Moutere village, Hodgson discovers a winery with tantalising wines to sup on and a delightful garden setting that begs relaxation, food and fine wine.
Peckham’s Cider
Alex and Caroline Peckham talk with Hodgson about their role in establishing Nelson as the centre of cider making in this country.
Neudorf Vineyards
Neudorf is a premiere vineyard located near the village of Upper Moutere.
Moutere Inn
Located in the village of Upper Moutere the Moutere Inn is recognised as New Zealand’s oldest pub in its original building.
Riverside Cafe
This special cafe is set in the grounds of Riverside Community, the oldest alternative community in NZ.
The Old Post Office
Another little gem in the village of Upper Moutere, The Old Post Office is home to gourmet preserves, a textile design gallery and more
Boatshed Mapua
Eating at the Boatshed Mapua is a fine dining experience, virtually on the sand.
The Honesty Box
Seasonal fruit stalls with payment via a coin-in-the-slot (honesty box) are common here during the fruit season.