The Deck Café is a hidden gem located within the Tahuna Beach Holiday Park

The Deck Café is a little gem within the Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park. 

What sets this café apart from many is its tasty food, good coffee, happy vibe and warm sense of community – thanks to new owners Debbie and Kevin.

After noticing the cafe lease was for sale while staying at the Holiday Park mid 2023, the pair moved to Nelson from Amberley (Canterbury)  to take over the cafe that Labour Weekend.  The pair are no strangers to hospitality and all things food, with Kevin’s background as a former chef and Debbie’s past as a café owner, not to mention the experience of raising five children together.

The partnership between Kevin, the culinary whizz, and Debbie, the heart of their warm customer service, meant they hit the ground running.

More than just cafe owners, Debbie and Kevin love being part of the Nelson community. Their passion shines through in their active involvement in local events, their emphasis on using local ingredients, and a menu that reflects the relaxed beach environment. 

Their menu is a hit with patrons; the Sunday roasts and pulled pork tacos with chips fly out the door, and their butter chicken with rice for just $15 is next level. Did we mention the iced coffee?  So good! 

Looking ahead, Debbie and Kevin see plenty of opportunities for the cafe, which is open to the public as well as holiday park guests.  From revamping the café’s layout to expanding its menu offerings their shared vision is to serve up happy experiences and lasting memories that keep the camp guests and locals returning for more. 

Given the Deck’s location (beside the reception of a holiday park), Kevin and Debbie understand the need to be more than just a food-stop and the shelves carry all the holiday essentials: toothpaste, sunscreen, milk and bread, eggs, beach toys, cricket sets, tent and laundry pegs, and so on. 

Dogs are also warmly welcomed, complementing both the Holiday Park accepting pets from February to the end of November, and Tahunanui Beach’s dog area which is in close proximity.  

The cafe is also popular with cyclists using the cycling boardwalk that runs alongside the Holiday Park (a tributary to the Great Taste Trail) or utilising the bike maintenance station at the front door. 

The Deck Café is not just a pit stop for a snack; it’s a place to relax and unwind, enjoy a cool beverage over a meal, watch the children on the playground, or gaze at the water in the inlet.  

We’re so pleased Debbie and Kevin have become part of our Holiday Park whanau/family! You can follow the Deck Cafe on Facebook and read more about them on our website here.

Debbie and Kevin look forward to welcoming you when you’re next in the area.