With thousands of excellent cafes in New Zealand, it’s always difficult to work out which are the best to try, especially if you are new to a place.
Thankfully, the annual New Zealand Cafe of the Year awards help sort out the best through objective judging and public feedback.
The best cafes in Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast
Cafes from the upper South Island shortlisted by judges for the national awards:
Best Suburban
Vanilla Bean Café
355 Lower Queen Street, Richmond, Nelson
Best Rural
Melrose House Café
26 Brougham Street, Nelson
Penguin Café/ Bar
822 Abel Tasman Drive, Pohara, RD1, Takaka, Golden Bay
Classic Kiwi
Chantilly Café
77 Queen Street, Blenheim
Maggie’s Kitchen
65 Mackay Street, Greymouth
2016 People’s Choice regional winners
South Island region
Jester House
320 Aporo Road, Tasman, Nelson
Source: New Zealand Cafe of the Year Awards 2016, run by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand. Factors considered by the judges including atmosphere and appearance, menu and coffee, service, staff interaction and overall impression.