The Boathouse is a waterfront cafe, music venue and function hall at 326 Wakefield Quay in Stepneyville, Nelson. The building was put up in 1906 by the Nelson Rowing Club and was saved by a group of residents who formed The Boathouse Society. It has over 300 members and is owned by them. The Boathouse sits over the sea on Nelson Haven, with views of Haulashore Island, the Boulder Bank and the mountain ranges.
It opens Wednesday to Friday for brunch and lunch, and on Friday evenings the cafe reopens at 5pm for dinner, drinks and dancing with live music. Weekends and evenings are often taken up by functions and community groups, and the venue hires its hall for events. The hall is used for weddings, fundraisers and community gatherings. A history book about the building is being written, and pre-orders are open.