blurry placeholderTasman Great Taste Trail at Motueka by Aimee Jules credit NelsonTasmanNZ (1)

Motueka

Janie Seddon Shipwreck, Motueka

Discover Motueka, a creative town with nature on its doorstep

Creative, down-to-earth and surrounded by some of Tasman’s most beautiful landscapes, Motueka rewards a little time spent exploring. Browse the Sunday Market, discover local food and makers, then venture further to the Motueka River, Riwaka Resurgence and nearby Abel Tasman National Park.

blurry placeholderNelson Tasman region's only saltwater baths lie on the Motueka foreshore.
Nelson Tasman region's only saltwater baths lie on the Motueka foreshore.
blurry placeholderThe Riuwaka Resurgence (Te Puna o Riuwaka) is recognised as wahi tapu (a sacred place) by the people of Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Rārua.
The Riuwaka Resurgence (Te Puna o Riuwaka) is recognised as wahi tapu (a sacred place) by the people of Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Rārua.

Explore Motueka’s outdoors & natural attractions

There’s no shortage of ways to get outside in and around Motueka. Cast a line in the trout-filled Motueka River, take a dip at the saltwater baths on the foreshore, or see the coastline from above on a tandem skydive or scenic flight. A short trip from town takes you to the remarkably clear waters of Riuwaka Resurgence, while the road towards Tākaka Hill leads to Ngarua Caves and sweeping views across Tasman Bay.

blurry placeholderThe Motueka Sunday Market is a lively hub of local crafts, fresh produce, and artisan goods.
The Motueka Sunday Market is a lively hub of local crafts, fresh produce, and artisan goods.
blurry placeholderMotueka is home to the legendary Smoking Barrel donuts.
Motueka is home to the legendary Smoking Barrel donuts.

Discover Motueka’s food, art & local culture

Motueka’s creative streak is easy to spot. The town centre and lively Motueka Sunday Market bring together local artists, makers, growers and food producers, with boutique stores, craft stalls and plenty of local flavour. Fertile land surrounding the town produces an abundance of crops, helping shape a café and food scene with a strong connection to what’s grown nearby. Motueka is also home to Te Āwhina Marae, an important part of the cultural landscape and identity of the town.

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Quick fact in celebration of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

The correct name is Motuweka, the island of weka. Motuweka is the home of Te Āwhina Marae. The wharenui at the Marae acknowledges Hui Te Rangiora who was the first to navigate to Antarctica.

Pronunciation guide: (More-two-eh-car)

blurry placeholderTasman Great Taste Trail at Kaiteretere by Aimee Jules credit NelsonTasmanNZ (2)

Must-dos in Nelson Tasman

The must-dos that come with sunshine, stories and good people.
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