It’s probably not new’s to anyone that we are really loving our time here in Nelson. It’s hard to say what it is that is so great about it because it really does have a lot to offer. One of the really fun things to do in the city is take in the markets. They have a farmers market on a Wednesday and markets right in the heart of the city on a saturday and sunday. The area grows a lot of great produce and has a plethora of little local producers of boutique products. We have enjoyed a few visits to the markets as well as keeping our eye out for locally made products when we are shopping. It feels like another way to explore the area we are in and so far has proven to be a tasty way as well. So I thought I would do a little round up of some of our favourite finds so far.
- The left branch cidery – Made in a little town called Riwaka from locally picked apples. We stumbled on this at a campground the day we finished our Abel Tasman walk, it was a welcome way to finish our day. Only stocked at a few local places we have hunted it out a few times and so far sampled the apple & ginger, blackcurrant and strawberry. The apple and ginger is my stand out favourite.
- The smokehouse, smoked fish – We found this in the little seaside town of Mapua. Situated right next to the wharf I couldn’t think of a more perfect place to sell a really impressive range of smoked fish. We tried the smoked tarakihi and smoked mackeral which was Cajun lime flavour. They also sold smoked fish pates which we didn’t sample but they looked amazing!
- Rabbit Island Coffee – I tried this coffee in Mapua not realising that it is a local product until I had gotten half way through my take away coffee and enjoyed it so much that I read the logo and wondered if since it was named after the nearby Rabbit Island it might perhaps be a local product. It was seriously one of the nicest coffees I have ever had (and I’ve had a few!).
- Amazing locally made cheese – now I just can’t choose one here. We have brought some locally made, specialty cheese a few times at the markets and it has all been amazing. And if you are going to splurge a little on a nice cheese the best place to shop is the markets where you can sample before you buy.
- Lowes Orchard Apple Juice – Another find from the farmers market and this one is Oliver’s pick for the favourites list. With a ingredients list with only two item’s on it and an amazing flavour this is a great treat. They also sell a great range of apples which were pretty tasty as well.
My Wandering Kiwi Family 