Motueka local attractions and things to do

Among the top Motueka attractions, you can’t beat the tantalising array of local food and produce, and quality art and crafts on offer at the Motueka Sunday Markets. But there is more than one great reason to visit this beautiful part of the Nelson Tasman region.

Why not check out some more of the amazing local attractions and things to do while you are here?

Sea kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park

What better way to see this stunning marine reserve and its diverse wildlife than from the water? Sea kayaking is a popular activity that provides visitors access to the pristine coastline of the Abel Tasman, much of which is only accessible by sea. There is a wide range of local tour operators with guided sea kayaking excursions on offer, or you can simply hire a kayak for a day or more and make your own way.

Ask your accommodation provider to make a recommendation or visit the local i-site for a range of options.

Mountain biking trails

Mountain biking in New Zealand is a real drawcard for visitors from all over the world who love the thrill of adventure and risk that this extreme leisure sport offers. The Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park offers a great variety of trails at varying levels of difficulty, from keen starter to those designed to test even the most experienced trail rider. The Park holds regular events throughout the year, so be sure to check out what’s on when you will be in town.

In the winter season, the famous Heaphy Track is opened up to mountain biking from 1 May to 30 September. This 78.4km track is a tough ride through world class scenery and challenging conditions and is recommended for advanced riders only. You will need to plan on spending at least two nights on the trail. For more information visit the DoC web page on mountain biking the Heaphy Track

Bike Tasman’s Great Taste Trail

The Great Taste Trail Coastal Route is an off-road cycle trail running from Nelson city to Kaiteriteri. This easy cycling trail takes riders past vineyards, breweries, orchards and coastal scenery. There are plenty of places to stop along the way for a breather and a bite to eat. The trail is a 174km loop, which can easily be segmented into short half-day rides to suit.

Details can be found on most cycle trail and bike tour websites, or you can download trail maps directly from the Tasman District Council’s web page.

Boutique wineries and cellar door wine tastings

The beer enthusiast and wine connoisseurs can sample top tipple from the 11 craft breweries and 28 boutique wineries within the area.

International wine aficionados know that Nelson is famous for its world class aromatics. Varieties like Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer are well suited to the high sunshine hours and cooler night temperatures of the region. You can sample these and many other traditional and contemporary artisan wines at some of the most picturesque wineries in New Zealand.

Local wine trails and details of the region’s wineries can be found online through Wine Nelson.

Craft beer and micro-breweries

Nelson holds the title of Craft Beer Capital of New Zealand and for good reason. Here in New Zealand’s only hop growing region, we have seen the resurgence of craft beer labels, with new and exciting beer varieties and flavours emerging. You can find the names and locations of our local craft breweries on the Craft Beer Capital website.

Mapua Wharf

Mapua Wharf is a thriving coastal community offering an array of eateries, boutique shops and galleries. What started life as a fishing village and is now teeming with locals and visitors in the summer and is a popular spot year round, as part of the Nelson Arts Trail. Discover more about Mapua Wharf here.

Skydiving over Motueka

If you only ever make one parachute jump in your lifetime, then this is the one for your bucket list. Skydive Abel Tasman offers a thrilling jump where you will take in aerial views of both the North and South Island, a tapestry of land and sea that gives you a true appreciation for the majestic beauty of this unique part of the world.

Kaiteriteri – gateway to the Abel Tasman

Kaiteriteri is 13km from Motueka. Famous for its golden sands, Kaiteriteri Beach draws visitors to its sun-kissed shoreline in the summer, and is the main entry point for exploring the Abel Tasman National Park. Kaiteriteri offers plenty of options for activities, food and entertainment, with the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that was once typical of New Zealand seaside towns, but is now a rarity. As well as the motor camp, which is right on the beach, and several motels, it is possible to rent a holiday home in Kaiteriteri from one of the locals during the summer. http://www.experiencekaiteriteri.co.nz/

Discover Riwaka Resurgence

If you love New Zealand bush walks then the Riwaka Resurgence is not to be missed. Located in the Kahurangi National Park , the track leads to the resurgence of the Riwaka River; a cave and deep, clear pool where the river emerges from the depths of the Takaka Hill before continuing its journey to the sea. There is a large open area with picnic tables and a toilet block at the start of the walking track. The vast network of limestone caves filters the water so that it runs crystal clear from the hillside. A cool reprieve on a hot summer’s day and a beautiful place to visit. Details and directions available on the Doc web page.

Hike the Abel Tasman Coastal Track

The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is New Zealand’s most popular hiking trail. You can walk the whole track in either direction, or take a water taxi or kayak between different locations along the way. The full track is around 60km of easy to moderate walking, and takes around 4-5 days to complete comfortably. There are four trampers’ huts and 19 campsites along the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Accommodation at the various lodges or campsites along the route requires booking well in advance, so plan ahead.

Visit the DoC web page on the Abel Tasman Track for detailed information, booking options and tide times.

Water taxi into Abel Tasman

Many visitors choose to explore the Abel Tasman by water taxi. With several licensed operators running guided tours, you can delve into this pristine marine environment without raising a sweat. Your water taxi pilot will know the best beauty spots along the way and where to scout out the local wildlife, ensuring you get the most from your experience.

Water taxi operators can also transport you or your gear to and from different points along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, allowing you to tailor your trip to fit your schedule.

Ask at your accommodation or visit the Motueka i-site for more information on water taxis into the Abel Tasman.

Luminate Festival

Luminate is a vibrant music festival with an ecological and spiritual flavour. Hosted annually on private land near Takaka, Luminate takes place in late summer, and offers eight days of music, dance, knowledge sharing, creative inspiration, celebration and transformation.
Interactive workshops on topics ranging from sacred geometry and ancient mysteries to permaculture, aikido, and holistic health are complemented by spectacular fire shows and stage performances and a rich variety of circus and performance workshops.
Festival goers can choose from a range of alternative therapies including massage and various forms of body work, and the Village Market offers all manner of healthy food and unique arts and crafts.

Be sure to stock up on fresh local fare at the Motueka Sunday Market before you go!

Learn more about Luminate Festival here.

	Decks Reserve Carpark, Wallace Street, Mouteka
	(03) 5402709 027 278 8806
	judy@motuekasundaymarket.co.nz