Nelson’s best bakeries in Nelson deliver fresh artisan breads, European-style pastries, hearty pies and custom baked goods using quality local ingredients and traditional techniques. These spots serve locals and visitors with daily bakes, café options and catering in the Tasman region. Highlights include Big Score Bakery for sourdough and Tozzetti for café bakery fare.
1Big Score Bakery
Big Score Bakery is an artisan sourdough breadmaker based in Appleby near Nelson, specialising in handcrafted, naturally leavened loaves baked daily using 100% New Zealand grown grain. Founded by Johan van der Walle, the bakery focuses on simple, high-quality breads that bring people together through generous, honest flavours. Their limited range suits sandwiches, toasting and sharing across the Nelson and Tasman area.
Services
- The Original sourdough loaf
- Rye sourdough
- Seedy sourdough
- Baguette
- Ciabatta
Highlights
- 100% NZ Grown Grain
- Hand Mixed, Shaped, and Baked daily
- Naturally Levened with no preservatives
- Established from backyard oven origins in Motueka to Appleby location
- Stockists throughout Nelson and Tasman region
Location & Contact
Name: Big Score Bakery
Address: 28 Lansdowne Road, Appleby 7081
Phone: 021 781 977
Website: bigscore.co.nz
2bird song bakery
bird song bakery specialises in authentic European baking in Nelson, New Zealand. Orders are placed by text or email for pickup at the Nelson Farmers Market on Halifax Street on Wednesdays. It provides traditional European-style baked goods to the local community through a simple, order-ahead model.
Services
- Authentic European breads
- European pastries and baked goods
- Custom orders via text or email
Highlights
- Authentic European baking techniques
- Pickup at Nelson Farmers Market, Halifax St
- Orders by text or email to 027 545 1584
- Focus on Nelson Tasman region
Location & Contact
Name: bird song bakery
Address: Nelson Farmers Market, Halifax St, Nelson
Phone: 027 545 1584
Website: birdsongbakery.co.nz
3Deelish Bakehouse
Deelish Bakehouse is a bakery, lunch bar and catering service located on Parkers Road in Tahunanui, Nelson. It provides fresh baked goods and lunch options along with catering services for the local area. The family-owned operation opens early on weekdays to serve the community.
Services
- Fresh baked goods
- Lunch bar items
- Catering services
Highlights
- Located in Tahunanui, Nelson
- Open early weekdays from 6am
- Combined bakery, lunch bar and catering
- Family owned business
Location & Contact
Name: Deelish Bakehouse
Address: 71 Parkers Road, Tahunanui, Nelson
Phone: 021 150 2085
Website: deelish.co.nz
4Don Rodrigo Sourdough Bakery
Don Rodrigo Sourdough Bakery is a specialist sourdough bakery in Annesbrook, Nelson, focusing on authentic, long-fermented sourdough breads. Their online store allows pre-orders and pickup of traditional loaves from the Annesbrook location. The business maintains a presence at local markets and Richmond Mall.
Services
- White Sourdough
- Traditional sourdough breads
- Pre-order and pickup options
Highlights
- Authentic long-fermented sourdough
- Pickup available at 18 Rotherham Street, Annesbrook
- Presence at Nelson Saturday Market and Richmond Mall
- Traditional baking methods
Location & Contact
Name: Don Rodrigo Sourdough Bakery
Address: 18 Rotherham Street, Annesbrook, Nelson 7011
Website: rodrigosbakery.com
5Tozzetti
Tozzetti is a café and bakery located on Vanguard Street in Nelson City, offering artisan breads, pastries, celebration cakes and a full café menu with ethically sourced coffee. Established in 2011 by owner Ben Carpenter, it combines high-quality baking with a vibrant café experience and extensive catering options. The business prides itself on sourdough loaves and friendly service in a central location.
Services
- Artisan breads including sourdough
- Pastries and baked goods
- Celebration cakes and custom catering
- All-day café menu
Highlights
- Established in 2011 by owner Ben Carpenter
- Ethically sourced RIPE coffee
- Sourdough loaves second to none
- Central Nelson location on Vanguard Street
- Extensive catering and celebration cake options
Location & Contact
Name: Tozzetti
Address: 14 Vanguard Street, Nelson City
Phone: 03 546 6734
Website: tozzetti.co.nz
Bakeries in Nelson at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Big Score Bakery | Appleby | 100% NZ Grown Grain |
| bird song bakery | Halifax St | Authentic European baking techniques |
| Deelish Bakehouse | Tahunanui | Located in Tahunanui, Nelson |
| Don Rodrigo Sourdough Bakery | Annesbrook | Authentic long-fermented sourdough |
| Tozzetti | Nelson City | Established in 2011 by owner Ben Carpenter |
How to Choose the Right Bakery in Nelson
- Consider the type of baked goods you need, such as artisan sourdough, European pastries or traditional pies.
- Check for use of local or New Zealand-grown ingredients for fresher flavour and sustainability.
- Factor in location, including central Nelson spots like Vanguard Street or suburbs such as Tahunanui and Appleby, or market pickup options.
- Inquire about dietary options, custom cakes, pre-orders or catering services to match your needs.
- Visit early in the day for the freshest bakes or check stockist and market schedules for availability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson Bakeries
What types of baked goods can I expect from bakeries in Nelson?
Nelson bakeries offer artisan sourdough loaves, European-style breads and pastries, hearty pies, cakes and savoury items. Many focus on fresh daily bakes using local ingredients, with options for takeaway, café dining or pre-orders.
Are there bakeries in Nelson that cater to dietary restrictions?
Some Nelson bakeries provide options suitable for various preferences, though availability varies. It is best to check directly with the business or review their menu for specific dietary items like gluten-free or vegan products.
How can I find bakeries near Tahunanui or other Nelson suburbs?
Bakeries are located across Nelson including Tahunanui on Parkers Road, Appleby on Lansdowne Road, central areas like Vanguard Street, and market pickups at Halifax Street. Searching for specific suburbs or checking market schedules helps locate convenient options.
Do Nelson bakeries offer catering or custom cakes?
Yes, several Nelson bakeries provide catering services and custom celebration cakes. Contact them in advance to discuss requirements, as lead times may apply for personalised orders.
Where can I buy fresh sourdough in Nelson?
Specialist sourdough options are available from businesses like Big Score Bakery in Appleby and Don Rodrigo Sourdough Bakery in Annesbrook, with pre-order and pickup or market options. Check their websites for current availability and locations.
Are Nelson bakeries open on weekends?
Hours vary by business. Some operate weekdays only while others have weekend hours or market stalls. Confirm directly with each bakery for current opening times.
How We Chose the Best Bakeries in Nelson
Every business in this guide was found by searching for bakeries in Nelson, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Nelson, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.