Best Things to Do in Motueka

Visit the weekly Sunday market

Start your Sunday morning the right way (and the same way that Motueka locals have been starting it for 30 years), with hot coffee in hand and browsing the eclectic array of goodies in the Decks Reserve carpark. A fusion of farmers, craft, and secondhand markets, the Motueka Sunday Market is surprisingly and refreshingly diverse. It’s a true feast for the senses, with delicious artisan treats, soft handcrafted fabrics, the smell of freshly baked bread, the sight of unique artworks and the sweet sound of musical entertainment.

Take a scenic skydive

If you’re feeling adventurous, just a few minutes out of the town centre, you’ll find a place that can satisfy your need for some heart-pumping action, Skydive Abel Tasman. Nowhere else in the country will you be able to jump out of a plane with views of the North and South islands, three national parks, turquoise blue waters, lush native forest, golden sandy beaches and one of the largest natural sandspits in the world. The answer to ‘Do I do it?’ is simple.. the only real questions that remain are: how high will you go, and what life motto will you graffiti your hands with?

Eat and drink your way around Motueka

Motueka has earned its stripes as a foodie destination, with plenty worth arriving hungry for. Discover the intimate 20-seat GK Eatery, visit Toad Hall, voted New Zealand’s #1 café, tuck into BBQ and famous doughnuts at The Smoking Barrel, or enjoy an award-winning Sprig + Fern brew. Just down the road in Riwaka, Aliment Brewing Co.’s tasting room is another worthy stop.

Heading to Abel Tasman National Park? Leave time for a tasty detour.

Swim at the saltwater baths

In the 1920s, sharks made Motueka Beach too dangerous for swimming, so locals raised money to enclose an area on the foreshore. Starting as a galvanized wire enclosure in 1926, the Motueka Saltwater Baths have become a popular destination year-round. In warmer months, families paddle in the saltwater pools and sunbathe on the decking. In colder months, the baths are a stunning spot for photographers, with reflective surfaces ideal for steel wool and sunset shots.

Walk to the Riuwaka Resurgence

The source of the Riuwaka River is an underground spring known as the ‘Resurgence’, a name that reflects the peace and tranquillity of this remarkable place. The Riuwaka Resurgence's springs are considered wahi tapu (sacred) by the people of Te Atiawa and Ngāti Rārua, and emerge from the depths of the Tākaka Hill, fed by the limestone passages and marble cracks that have formed within the cave over many years. Hugged by lush native forest and sheltered by the deep fold in the mountain, the Riuwaka Resurgence is situated just off the Riwaka Valley Road and is a 20-minute return walk from the grassy carpark.

Get a photo with the Janie Seddon Shipwreck

The Janie Seddon Shipwreck is a popular subject for photographers, but nothing compares to seeing it in person. This iconic ship has a unique history, serving as a submarine mining vessel, military ship, and fishing boat. As the last surviving military ship from both world wars, it was purchased by Talley’s fishing group and later abandoned at Motueka Wharf in the 1950s. Today, the remains lie off the coast of Motueka, easily accessible by a short walk along the foreshore, making it one of the most photographed spots in the area.

Visit the nearby national parks

Whether you dream of golden sands and turquoise waters or untracked wilderness, Motueka has something for you. As the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park, it's the perfect base to explore the stunning landscapes of our region. Spend a few days here, stock up on supplies, and venture into the locals' 'backyard paradise.'

Watch a movie at the Gecko Theatre

Motueka offers a perfect blend of the theatre experience and home comfort at the Gecko Movie Theatre. Founded in the early 2000s by five friends, this boutique cinema provides everything for a cozy night out. Grab a blanket, relax on a couch, and enjoy top feature films and documentaries from around the world—PJs welcome!

Go trout fishing in the Motueka River

Every angler's dream is to be knee-deep in a premier brown trout river, and Motueka can make that dream come true. Fringed with vegetation, the exceptional water quality, long riffles, boisterous rapids and deep pools of the Motueka River make for a stunning yet challenging fishing experience. With guided fishing tours and specialist lodges such as Stonefly Lodge and Motueka River Lodge dotted along the banks of the Motueka River, you’ll have everything you need for the ultimate fishing experience no further than a stone’s throw from the riverbed.