Award winning makers, creators and curators in Nelson Tasman
Posted on Monday 20 March 2023
Gin lovers will make the pilgrimage to Dancing Sands in Golden Bay. It’s one of New Zealand’s most awarded distilleries, using high-quality ingredients to create unique flavour profiles. What connoisseur could resist trying their sauvignon blanc or wasabi gins?
Historic Sarau village in Upper Moutere is the home of Bartlett & Gold Gallery. Set in a historic house and cottage garden, the bold colours of Katie Gold’s ceramic sculptures and Owen Bartlett’s contemporary tableware and art pieces are now found all over the world. Signature souvenirs for countless visitors, they’re become favourite keepsakes of time spent enjoying the region.
Ola Höglund and Marie Simberg-Höglund have been blowing glass since 1982. At their famous Höglund Art Glass studio, they have created commissioned works for Team New Zealand and the America’s Cup, the Sydney Olympic Games, and have even appeared on limited edition stamps. Their work is owned by both public and private collectors worldwide – after a visit, maybe you’ll be one of them.
Fifty years of commercial vineyards has established the region’s reputation as the epicentre of fine wine makers. Many of them are award-winners, and most are waiting with their cellar doors swung open for wine lovers seeking an unforgettable day and an excellent year. Read more at tastenelsonwines.nz.
Little Beehive in Nelson offers visitors a one-stop beautiful-gift shop, showcasing the works of creatives from around Nelson and Tasman and beyond. A treasure trove of jewellery, furnishings, clothing, art and homeware born out of a desire to collaborate and connect. A mix of classy, cute and quirky.
The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū is the public art gallery for the Nelson Tasman region and is a hybrid of contemporary architecture with the original 1899 gallery. It’s sited on the boundary of the Queens Gardens (created seven years before the original Suter), providing picturesque views of the serpentine lake and Victorian tree plantings from its floor to ceiling café windows. The exhibitions are ever-changing but the contemplative, relaxing vibe of the Suter is always present. Its gallery store is filled with beautiful objects crafted by local artists.
Just like your typical peanut butter maker, Pic Picot started with a bag of peanuts and a concrete mixer. Now look at him! Or rather, look at how his much-loved peanut butter gets made by going on a free factory tour. You’ll know when you’ve arrived at Pics Peanut Butter World by the giant Pic’s jar outside the entrance. Bookings essential.
One of the best places to find the region’s makers and creators is the famous Nelson Market. For more than 40 years the Saturday market has seen many a satisfied visitor leave with purchases from some of the dozens of stalls selling locally made art, jewellery, crafts and gourmet foods. Together the stallholders and locals seem to convey the spirit of the region and everything inspired by, and created in it, right there in 300 square metres.
Click the button below to find out more about our makers, creators and curators itineraries, and to start crafting your own creative visit to Nelson Tasman.
