Rutherford Hotel Nelson

15/08/2026

🌊🥂 Weisswurst… but not as you know it.

At Oceano Restaurant at the Rutherford Hotel Nelson, we’ve taken the Bavarian classic and sent it to the sea.

Our seafood Weisswurst, served with sauerkraut, mustard & pretzel, is paired with ABEL Méthode Cider 2022.

And this is no ordinary cider.

Made using the traditional sparkling method, ABEL is dry, refined and beautifully complex, with fine bubbles, fresh apple character and an elegant Brut-style finish.

That crisp acidity and delicate sparkle work beautifully with the seafood — cutting through the richness and refreshing the palate with every bite.

Bavaria meets Nelson-Tasman. Seafood meets cider. And …it just works.

Only around for a short while at Oceano, Rutherford Hotel Nelson. 🥂

14/08/2026

Introducing our new September High Tea Menu!

Bookings are now open for our Saturday, 5 September High Tea.

Treat yourself to an elegant afternoon of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked sweet treats, and premium teas in the beautiful surroundings of Rutherford Hotel Nelson.

Saturday, 5 September 2026
2:00pm – 4:00pm

Seats are limited and bookings are essential – with August selling out, we recommend booking early to avoid missing out again!

🎟️ Secure your tickets here: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/monthly-high-tea/nelson

11/08/2026

*WEDNESDAY SPECIAL at Atom Café*

Every Wednesday from 8:30am until sold out, grab a regular coffee + donut for just $8.

The perfect excuse to catch up with a friend, fuel your morning, or simply treat yourself.

Available every Wednesday

From 8:30am — until sold out!

Atom Café
Rutherford Hotel Nelson

07/08/2026

Introducing our brand-new Port O'Call Bar Menu!

Our Chef has worked hard to create a menu celebrating quality local produce and classic Kiwi favourites. From a hearty Chicken Parmigiana and Beer-Battered Fish & Chips to a traditional Lamb Pie, there's something for everyone.

And the best part? Port O'Call Bar is now the only bar in town where you can enjoy an authentic Philly Cheesesteak!

Same great bar, exciting new menu. Come and try it for yourself tonight.

Open daily from 4:00 PM until late
Port O'Call Bar
Rutherford Hotel Nelson
27 Nile Street West, Nelson 7010 | +64 3 548 2299

01/08/2026

✨ Who knew a cup of tea could be this popular? ☕💛

Our High Tea is officially FULLY BOOKED today! Thank you to everyone joining us for an afternoon of delicious treats, beautiful company, and the exceptional flavours of Dilmah Tea.

From delicate savouries to handcrafted sweets, every bite is designed to pair perfectly with a premium cup of Dilmah—because great tea deserves great food.

Missed out? Don’t worry… the teapots will be back on Saturday, 5 September. Seats are limited, so book early before they disappear faster than the last scone! 🫖🍰

Who are you bringing to the next High Tea? Tag your tea-loving partner in crime! 💕

31/07/2026

It was a pleasure to host the official launch of the Inspire Foundation Nelson Tasman at Rutherford Hotel Nelson last week.

We loved being part of such a meaningful day, bringing together local business leaders, educators, community champions, supporters and some of the region’s incredible young people.

A huge congratulations to the inaugural Nelson Tasman grantees Hector McNeilly, Izzy Claringbold, Poppie Taylor and Tegen Stewart. We can’t wait to see where your talent, passion and determination take you!

We’re proud to have played a small part in celebrating and supporting the next generation of leaders, innovators, athletes, artists and changemakers in our community.

Here’s to the incredible things still to come!

30/07/2026

Our High Tea has been such a hit... we're officially SOLD OUT for Saturday, 1 August!

Missed out? Don't worry – bookings are now open for our Saturday, 5 September High Tea.

Treat yourself to an elegant afternoon of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked sweet treats, and premium teas in the beautiful surroundings of Rutherford Hotel Nelson.

Saturday, 5 September 2026
2:00pm – 4:00pm

Seats are limited and bookings are essential – with August selling out, we recommend booking early to avoid missing out again!

🎟️ Secure your tickets here: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/monthly-high-tea/nelson

29/07/2026

Best Dressed Winner Announcement!

A huge congratulations to.......... Suzanna Pearson! Our Best Dressed winner from Saturday night's 70s & 80s Party!

Suzanna wowed us with an incredible retro outfit and has won an overnight stay at Rutherford Hotel Nelson, including breakfast and a late check-out. Congratulations, Suzanna! 🎉

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our very first 70s & 80s Party. From the amazing costumes and dance moves to the retro tunes and delicious buffet, it was a fantastic night filled with great food, great music, and plenty of laughs.

We loved seeing everyone embrace the theme and helping make the night one to remember!

📸 Swipe through to check out some of our favourite moments from the evening.

Missed out this time? Keep an eye on our page... you never know when the next themed party might be coming!

28/07/2026

Yesterday we hosted an amazing group of people to bear witness to our new Chef's Table dining concept with the official launch of our new dinner menu at Oceano Restaurant. Volker Marecek our executive chef, together with his Sous Chef Mark Schmid created an amazing new menu and concept focusing on our amazing region's local produce and creating memories. thank you all for joining and we are looking forward to welcoming many more guests from near and far.

Tonight Linley and I joined other foodies to check out Oceano’s new chef’s table and menu with new chef’s Vokler Marecek and Mark Schmid. They both have remarkable restaurant backgrounds from all corners of the world and we are fortunate to have them here. A new experience was paua butter and gorse wine - both were superb !

Nelson’s foods and wine are a key part of our identity. We are the birthplace of so many great NZ food companies like Kirkpatricks, Griffins, Goodmans, Talleys, Pics, Sealord, King Salmon, Proper Crisps and Hogarth’s, to just name a few.

My thanks to Alexander Siebentritt and the Rutherford team. We need to celebrate our diverse restaurants and cafes and our food and beverage sectors that are such an important part of Nelson.

24/07/2026

🎧 The boombox is on. The disco lights are ready. The kitchen has been rocking all day! 🕺👨‍🍳

While you’re digging out the leg warmers and shoulder pads, our chefs have been busy wrapping, roasting, piping, carving and tasting to make sure tonight’s 70s & 80s Party is one to remember.

From golden retro bites to slow-roasted classics, we’re serving up a buffet that’s totally rad! 🤘

So grab your dancing shoes, warm up those vocal cords for a bit of ABBA, Queen, Bon Jovi and Wham!, and come hungry… because tonight calories are strictly vintage! 😎

🪩 See you from 5:30pm at Rutherford Hotel Nelson.
✨ Great food. Great music. Great memories.

P.S. If you see the chefs dancing in the kitchen… that’s just our quality control. 🕺😂