motueka

Introduction

north island

Bay of Islands

Cape Reinga

Great Barrier Island

Hokianga

Kaitaia

Kerikeri

Masterton

New Plymouth

Ohakune

Paihia

Russell

Taihape

Tauranga

Mt Maunganui

Turangi

Waiheke Island

Waikaremoana

Waiouru

Wanganui

Whakatane

Whitianga

south island

Akaroa

Alexandra

Arthur's Pass

Ashburton

Blenheim

Cromwell

Glenorchy

Greymouth

Hanmer Springs

Haast

Kaiteriteri

Karamea

Manapouri

Milford Sound

Moeraki

Motueka

Oamaru

Picton

Punakaiki

Te Anau

Timaru

Twizel

Westport

The prosperous town of Motueka, in sunny Tasman Bay, is the gateway to two of our great national parks.

Motueka, 47 km from Nelson, was named by early Maori as the ‘Land of the Weka’ because this flightless bird was one of their primary food sources. The town is on the banks of the Motueka River inland from Tasman Bay. It enjoys one of the most benign climates in the country with high sunshine hours, long hot summers and reliable rainfall. These conditions are ideal for growing grapes, apples and hops.

The residents of Motueka are a diverse, cosmopolitan group. Roadside outlets for potters, artists, sculptors and other talented craftspeople can be found here among the orchards. There are also many restaurants, cafés and vineyards in the surrounding area. For visitors the overall atmosphere is one of creativity, and warm hospitality.

The Abel Tasman National Park is just 20 minutes away and is the biggest drawcard for the town. The Abel Tasman, New Zealand’s smallest national park, is also the most popular. However despite the summer crowds you will easily find a private spot along the coast. The main tramping track takes three to four days, either as a guided trip or a freedom walk. It is possible to explore the coastline by cruise launch, water taxi or kayak.

The Kahurangi National Park is 30 minutes away, and offers a range of tramping tracks from one to six days, including the renowned Heaphy Track, which crosses the park from Collingwood to Karamea. The park contains the largest cave system in the Southern Hemisphere, and dramatic limestone formations. There are interesting historic and ecological walkways across the Mt. Arthur tablelands above the town, and excellent cross-country trails in the Cobb Valley.

Motueka can offer the visitor generous portions of sunshine, fine beaches, bush walking, trout fishing (Motueka river) as well as wonderful wine, fine foods and innovative crafts.