Nelson at 41º South is on the same latitude as Wellington, but lies in the north west of South Island. The shortest of flights connects the two. One could sail across the Cook Straight to Picton, but one is then is faced with onward travel. A waste of time and money.
Hector had never heard of Nelson until an appreciation developed for – Nelson Sauvin hops – in Craft Beer. Visiting Nelson could be regarded as a Bier equivalent of going to Macca. Motueka and Riwaka, the sources of other Kiwi hops, are close by. Nelson had to be visited.
Then I met someone from Nelson. As is told, years later, this proved to be a useful encounter.
Places of interest visited:
Motueka
Riwaka
Centre of New Zealand Monument
Founders Heritage Park
Kaiteriteri Beach
Brewery, taprooms, bars, restaurants, and cafes visited:
Townshend Brewery (Toad Hall) – 602 High Street, Motueka 7120
The Free House Pub – 95 Collingwood Street, Nelson 7010
Hop Federation Taproom – 627 Man Rd., Riwaka 7198
Eddyline Pizzeria & Brewpub – 8 Champion Rd., Richmond 7020
McCashin’s Tap Room – 660 Main Street, Stoke, Nelson 7011
Two Thumb Nelson – 32c New Street, Nelson 7011
Sprig + Fern Tavern Tahuna – 13 Beach Rd., Tahunanui, Nelson 7011
The Vic Public House – 281 Trafalgar Street – Nelson 7010
Lombardi’s Ristorante – 295 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 7010
The Indian Cafe – 94 Collingwood Street, Nelson 7011
Simply Indian – 130 High Street, Motueka 7120
Raglan Roast Tahunanui – The Sands 623 Rocks Rd. Moana, Nelson 7011
The Qualitea Cafe – Shop 1/167 Hardy Street, Nelson 7010