Guidebook for Ruby Bay

Vita
Guidebook for Ruby Bay

Parks & Nature

How many city parks have mature giant Sequoias, a formal Victorian rose garden, goose and duck ponds, and a contemplative Chinese garden all rolled into a square block? Some of the plantings date back to the early days of Nelson, including a magnificent Bunya Bunya tree that dominates. Take a quick or leisurely stroll, and all your cares will melt away.
43 locals recommend
Queen's Gardens
43 locals recommend
How many city parks have mature giant Sequoias, a formal Victorian rose garden, goose and duck ponds, and a contemplative Chinese garden all rolled into a square block? Some of the plantings date back to the early days of Nelson, including a magnificent Bunya Bunya tree that dominates. Take a quick or leisurely stroll, and all your cares will melt away.

Food Scene

The views from this intimate restaurant are unforgettable. The food is consistently excellent. The pavlova with passion fruit is a confection that will crown your exquisite dining experience.
76 locals recommend
The Boat Shed Cafe
350 Wakefield Quay
76 locals recommend
The views from this intimate restaurant are unforgettable. The food is consistently excellent. The pavlova with passion fruit is a confection that will crown your exquisite dining experience.
So, tame eels may not be what you are looking for in a cafe. But the Jester House is an established road side attraction, with quirky landscaping, plenty for the kids to do, and EXCELLENT food selections for carnivores, omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. "Family friendly" does not compromise the quality and selection of creative food and drink. If you see a line of cars by the side of the road, stop anyway; it will be worth your while.
48 locals recommend
Jester House Café
320 Aporo Rd
48 locals recommend
So, tame eels may not be what you are looking for in a cafe. But the Jester House is an established road side attraction, with quirky landscaping, plenty for the kids to do, and EXCELLENT food selections for carnivores, omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. "Family friendly" does not compromise the quality and selection of creative food and drink. If you see a line of cars by the side of the road, stop anyway; it will be worth your while.
If you want to spend your lunch time in a lovely picturesque country setting experiencing delicious food and wine with perfect service, Forsters restaurant is the place for you. I am sure you are not going to be disappointed. It is recommended to have a reservation during the busy summer days.
14 locals recommend
Forsters Moutere Hills
42 Eggers Rd
14 locals recommend
If you want to spend your lunch time in a lovely picturesque country setting experiencing delicious food and wine with perfect service, Forsters restaurant is the place for you. I am sure you are not going to be disappointed. It is recommended to have a reservation during the busy summer days.

Sightseeing

A short walk along the beach will treat you to stunning views any time of day in any season. To the north is Abel Tasman National Park, to the east is cozy Nelson, and northeast is Marborough. Cargo ships and fishing boats add interest to the scene.
11 locals recommend
Ruby Bay
11 locals recommend
A short walk along the beach will treat you to stunning views any time of day in any season. To the north is Abel Tasman National Park, to the east is cozy Nelson, and northeast is Marborough. Cargo ships and fishing boats add interest to the scene.

Drinks & Nightlife

Expect basic pub food, and a wide selection of beers and wine. The third Thursday of each month is a special treat, as local musicians congregate for a jam. The Chef's specials, available every Thursday, are consistently a work of culinary art. In the winter, Sunday roast dinners are a reward for a hard week of working or touring.
18 locals recommend
Sprig & Fern Mapua
67 Aranui Rd
18 locals recommend
Expect basic pub food, and a wide selection of beers and wine. The third Thursday of each month is a special treat, as local musicians congregate for a jam. The Chef's specials, available every Thursday, are consistently a work of culinary art. In the winter, Sunday roast dinners are a reward for a hard week of working or touring.

Arts & Culture

Kiwis have a reputation for being quirky. Kiwi artists are that much further out there. This low key, unpretentious and comfortable museum is always showcasing interesting works from local artists, spanning any and every period in the history of this young country. The adjoining cafe is a destination in its own right, and the Queen's Garden is just outside.
105 locals recommend
The Suter Art Gallery Nelson
208 Bridge St
105 locals recommend
Kiwis have a reputation for being quirky. Kiwi artists are that much further out there. This low key, unpretentious and comfortable museum is always showcasing interesting works from local artists, spanning any and every period in the history of this young country. The adjoining cafe is a destination in its own right, and the Queen's Garden is just outside.

Essentials

Everything you need for a successful home made meal, with a great selection of beer and wine, and fresh local produce. In-store post office lets you send those postcards to make all your friends at home jealous.
28 locals recommend
Four Square Mapua
64 Aranui Rd
28 locals recommend
Everything you need for a successful home made meal, with a great selection of beer and wine, and fresh local produce. In-store post office lets you send those postcards to make all your friends at home jealous.

Getting Around

How else are you going to get your bike, or boots, over the Waimea River to Rabbit Island? The ferry looks like a converted landing craft, and is the eco-friendly way to enjoy the beaches and trails that are a stone's throw away from Mapua. For extra excitement, go when the tides are going out or coming in.
9 locals recommend
Mapua Ferry
9 locals recommend
How else are you going to get your bike, or boots, over the Waimea River to Rabbit Island? The ferry looks like a converted landing craft, and is the eco-friendly way to enjoy the beaches and trails that are a stone's throw away from Mapua. For extra excitement, go when the tides are going out or coming in.