Visit Mussel Inn Takaka New Zealand to
Find the Best NZ Beers

The Golden Bay region of New Zealand is a food lover’s dream, with restaurants in towns like Nelson offering up some of the best seafood and fresh produce to be found in the whole South Island. There is one restaurant that stands out to the point where hungry patrons willingly make the two hour drive to the Golden Bay countryside. That pub is the Mussel Inn, Takaka.

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If there’s one thing that the Mussel Inn Takaka New Zealand is famous for, it’s their beers! Many loyal customers claim that this is the best beer in New Zealand, and with good reason. The restaurant makes its own beer, and at any given time you can have your choice of over a dozen different brews, catering to every different taste. Can’t decide? Try Captain Cooker Manuka Beer, which is one of the best. If you’re the designated driver, you can still enjoy a great homemade lemonade or ginger beer.

The atmosphere of the Mussel Inn is also worth mentioning. It’s a casual, country-style place, with no TVs, no pool tables, and no video poker machines. While you can enjoy great live music on weekend evenings, one thing you can’t enjoy is your cell phone. Cell phones are strictly forbidden, and the staff is not shy about enforcing that rule!

The food is simple, local fare, and naturally, mussels are featured heavily. Some of their more famous dishes are mussel chowder and steamed mussels. Ordering is done British pub style; place your order at the bar and they will bring the food to your table when it’s ready. In the peak seasons, mainly during the Christmas holidays, be prepared for a wait.

Finding the Mussel Inn, Takaka is a bit of an adventure. From the nearest main city of Nelson, it’s a two hour drive, but a scenic one. The route takes you past the Takaka hill to the small village of Onekaka. Once there, you will have to keep an eye out for the very small sign, although on busy nights, it’s easy to spot by the large number of cars parked along the road. Reservations are not accepted, and if you’re traveling during the winter, it’s best to call ahead and find out their opening hours.

Whether you’re in Golden Bay for an eco tour, a cultural adventure, hiking or a spa-oriented New Zealand vacation, a detour to the Mussel Inn, Takaka is a must. With great brews and good fresh New Zealand food and drink, Mussel Inn, Takaka is not to be missed.