Motueka

The surrounding district has a large, but diminishing, number of orchards, as well as growing a variety of specialised crops such as hops and boysenberries (it was formerly the main centre of tobacco growing in New Zealand and some patches survive between police raids, growing for their "own consumption"). A number of small boutique wineries have gained an international reputation.
Nearby beaches (such as Kaiteriteri Beach and Marahau) are very popular with holidaymakers, and the area around Motueka has one of the country's highest annual sunshine-hour indices. Because of the gorgeous scenery and continual building of swanky clifftop homes by rich incomers, the coastline between Motueka and Marahau has been dubbed the Riviera of the South Island after the famous French Riviera.
Motueka, as the nearest town to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, has become the base of many tourism ventures in those parks, as well as in other recreational areas. Extensive limestone cave systems (including Harwoods Hole in the Takaka Hill area north of Motueka) attract cavers and rock climbers. Sea kayaking and tramping now attract many thousands of visitors each year.
Many artists and craftspeople live in the area around Motueka, especially potters and reggae musicians. The Riverside Community, in nearby Lower Moutere is a pacifist international community founded in the 1940s and now New Zealand's oldest co-operative commune.

By bus

Abel Tasman Coachlines provide services between Nelson, Richmond, Mapua, Tasman, Motueka, Kaiteriteri, and Marahau. See their website for the timetable.

By car

Motueka is a 40-minute drive from Nelson, 30-minute drive from Richmond, and 55-minute drive from Takaka.

• Motueka District Museum

  address: 140 High St

• Abel Tasman Skydive

  phone: +64 3 528-4091
  address: Motueka Airport, 16 College St
  Rated within the top 10 greatest skydive operations in the world, Skydive Abel Tasman is guaranteed to give you an exhilarating skydive to remember. Freefall for either 30, 50 or 70 seconds from 9000, 13,000. or 16,500 feet. Take in the spectacular view of the Abel Tasman National Park as you help guide the parachute or just relax and enjoy the ride.

• Motueka Saltwater Baths

  address: North St.
  Saltwater swimming pool built in 1938 with a park alongside.

• The Warehouse

  address: 270 High St.
  "red shed" department store

Has a supermarket and a McDonalds fast food outlet with free Wi-Fi.

• New World

  address: 271 High St.
  supermarket

• Doone Cottage Country Homestay

  phone: +64 3 526-8740
  address: 2281 Motueka Valley Highway
  Charming 100 yr old home secluded in 4 acres of gardens offering en suite bed & breakfast accommodation close to Abel Tasman National Park & top South Island trout fishing rivers.

• Equestrian Lodge Motel & Gardens

  phone: +64 3 528-9369
  address: 2 Avalon Court
  5 min stroll from the heart of the Motueka township, and an easy walk to the 18 hole golf course. All motel units are open to the beautiful landscaped gardens, complete with a shaded barbecue area and a childrens play area.

• Motueka Information Centre

  phone: +64 3 528-6543
  Wallace Street,

• Abel Tasman National Park
• Kaiteriteri Beach
• Marahau
• Nelson