Tern Coffee House

5 Church Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
+64 3 922 9329
$$$ cafe
(37 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Discover the charming ambiance of Tern Coffee House, a delightful cafe tucked away at 5 Church Street in the heart of Nelson, New Zealand. This bustling spot is not just about coffee; it's a hub of community where the simple pleasures of life are celebrated through exceptional brews and homemade treats.

Upon stepping into Tern Coffee House, you are immediately enveloped by a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for both casual catch-ups and focused reading sessions. With comfy seating and a relaxed vibe, this cafe is designed to make you feel right at home. It's evident from the moment you walk in that the friendly staff is committed to creating a memorable experience for every customer.

The coffee at Tern is remarkable; many patrons raving about its consistency and flavor have hailed it as some of the best in Nelson. Whether you prefer a rich flat white or a frothy cappuccino, the expert baristas ensure each cup is crafted to perfection. Pair your coffee with one of their delectable homemade cakes—a zesty lemon slice or a decadent chocolate and berry slice is sure to tempt you. Customers like Coralie Niven have lauded the combination of a good coffee and a slice of cake, reflecting the cafe's commitment to quality and taste.

Family visits are also seamlessly accommodated here. Dani and Scott Montauban shared a delightful experience with their children enjoying beautifully crafted hot chocolates that added a touch of magic to their outing. The relaxing environment encourages everyone to unwind, socialize, or simply enjoy some quiet time reading your favorite book.

Customer feedback reveals a pattern of heartfelt experiences at Tern Coffee House. Whether it’s a favorite spot for celebrations, as noted by Potterabroad, or a go-to place for locals seeking a friendly buzz, the cafe has successfully established itself as a cherished part of the Nelson community. On occasion, you'll witness staff singing happy birthday to patrons, displaying just how much they value their customers and strive to make each visit special.

In summary, Tern Coffee House is more than just another cafe; it's a community hub that combines quality coffee, scrumptious treats, and warm, welcoming service. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick caffeine fix or a leisurely coffee catch-up, Tern Coffee House promises an experience that will leave you wanting to return again and again. Give them a call at +64 3 922 9329, and immerse yourself in the heartfelt atmosphere and delightful offerings that have made Tern a beloved local gem.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

37 Reviews
Geoff Horne

06 Oct 2025

This place is wonderful. The atmosphere, food and coffee are outstanding. The other customers were so friendly. This I’d they place for a great coffee.

Coralie Niven

26 Aug 2025

What a great find for morning coffee. We just went in for coffee, but seeing homemade cakes twisted our arm, didn't take much!. Two flat whites with a slice of lemon cake and a caramel slice were great. Friendly staff, comfy seating, and relaxed atmosphere. Thank you.

Gemma

23 Aug 2025

Overall a good experience. Service was quick and friendly, and both the cappuccino and the sandwich were tasty. Nothing extraordinary, but everything was nice and enjoyable.

Dani and Scott Montauban

27 Jul 2025

Showed up to do some reading with the kids. Beautiful kids hot choccies

that_one_guy_Javid

19 Jul 2025

Tern Coffee House is a nice open cafe close to town with great coffee. I had a small flat white and a baked potato with a chocolate and berry slice for after. It was extremely delicious and delightful. The baked potato was nice and filling, and the coffee is one of the best and most consistently good ones in nelson. The slice was very good aswell, it was decadent and chocolaty but not to sweet with a berry lick on top. The place is large and wide, with it being a little chilly on cold days, but the seating uses the space well and doesn't feel crowded like some places would. The atmosphere is full of regulars and people who love coffee. This place is great for small groups and 1 on 1 meetings, I love the coffee here and will be back!

Joe Moreton

06 Jul 2025

Great coffee at a good price. Friendly service and a warm, buzzing atmosphere. Our new favourite cafe in Nelson.

Potterabroad

24 Jun 2025

A favourite spot for birthdays. Always made to feel special this year the staff turned it up a notch: happy birthday on the cake plate, as well as on top of the coffee and they all sang as well. Great place!

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