The Moutere 1850 is New Zealand's oldest continually operating pub, established in 1850 by German settler and master builder Cordt Bensemann in the heart of Upper Moutere, Nelson. Built from rough-sawn native timbers, it quickly became the social centre of the young village and has remained remarkably true to its original structure and spirit through war years, prohibition debates and industry change, still standing in its original home more than 170 years later.
Under new ownership from 2026, John and Jane - both born and raised in the Nelson Tasman region and previously behind Rabbit Island Huts, Rabbit Island Coffee, Alberta's Mapua and brand studio Hothouse - have taken on the pub as its new custodians, with a vision to reinvigorate rather than reinvent it as the cultural and social heart of the region.
The kitchen is led by Alistair Forster, named one of five Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ambassador Chefs for 2017, serving a seasonal menu of small plates, share plates, mains and desserts. With hops grown in the region since its earliest days, beer has always been central to the Inn's story, and today it champions craft brewing alongside exceptional local beers and wines, honouring its German heritage.
In the heart of Upper Moutere, Nelson, The Moutere 1850 holds a rare title: New Zealand's oldest continually operating pub. Established in 1850 by German settler and master builder Cordt Bensemann, the building was constructed from rough-sawn native timbers and quickly became the social centre of the young village - a gathering place for travellers, settlers and locals alike.
Through war years, prohibition debates and sweeping changes to the hospitality industry, the pub has remained remarkably true to its original structure and spirit. While many historic pubs across the country were lost to fire or redevelopment, The Moutere still stands proudly in its original home more than 170 years later. Hops have been grown in the region since the Inn's earliest days, and beer has always been central to its story - today it champions craft brewing, showcasing exceptional local beers and wines while honouring its German heritage.
As of 2026, The Moutere is under new ownership. John and Jane, both born and raised in the Nelson Tasman region, bring a track record of building memorable hospitality brands, having previously run Rabbit Island Huts, Rabbit Island Coffee, Alberta's Mapua and brand studio Hothouse. Their approach is family led and community focused, and they see The Moutere not just as a business but as a legacy to nurture - a thriving regional hub that honours its heritage while evolving for a new generation.
Leading the food is Alistair Forster, named one of five Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ambassador Chefs for 2017. The menu moves through small plates like braised pork ribs and a smoked beetroot and goats cheese salad, share plates including a Moroccan-spiced lamb shoulder for the table, and mains such as an aged South Island beef sirloin, beer-battered fish and chips, and a local venison burger. Desserts run from a Malteser and Baileys cheesecake to a classic sticky toffee pudding. The menu changes regularly, so expect it to evolve as the new ownership settles in, with special occasion set menus to look out for.
The Moutere runs a happy hour from 5pm to 6pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with $12 pints and $12 wines - a fitting nod to a pub whose entire history has been built around bringing people together over a drink.
The Moutere is located at 1406 Moutere Highway, Upper Moutere, and is open Wednesday to Sunday from midday, with the kitchen closing at 8pm. Bookings can be made by phone.