Visit Motueka New Zealand
A Quaint Town with Great Weather

A convenient New Zealand vacation tourism base to explore great national parks in Tasman Bay is Motueka, which means “island of bush with Weka”.

New Zealand’s exceptional climate and highest amounts of sunshine hours make this the best place on the South Island to grow kumara, Maori’s prized sweet potato. More importantly for NZ tourism and travel, ideal weather and long summer days draw many people to this location.

One of the nearest towns to Abel Tasman and Kahurangi, and Nelson Lakes National Parks, it has ample amenities, such as supermarkets, shops, artistans, and wonderful cafes. This orchard town’s a popular travel guide recommendation on the New Zealand vacation map because of this proximity and also its budget digs.

Seated at the mouth of the Motueka River, the entire area was once under water, which yielded unusually fertile land that makes it a top fruit growing region. Apple, pear, and kiwifruit orchards attract tons of fruit pickers every summer, and many fruit picking work opportunities exist. Several small vineyard have gained notoriety recently, most notably Neudorf.

Tramping is a main activity of thousands of travelers visiting Nelson Lakes, Abel Tasman, and Kahurango National Parks and other recreational areas. Hiking tours and guided walks are available.

Backpackers can rent or buy tramping gear at Coppins Great Outdoor Center on High Street, the main drag. Tramping equipment can also be rented at White Elephant, a sunny Victorian house with comfy spaces and soft beds that make it the best hostel choice in town.

Other good bets in lieu of traditional New Zealand accommodations are spanking clean Bakers Lodge and snug Twin Oaks Cottage (which also rents tramping gear). Fearon’s Bush Camp allows tent pitching anywhere within its shady fields.

Maori artifacts are on exhibit at the town’s local historical museum. Caves and rock climbing, and sea kayaking also attract active New Zealand vacation enthusiasts.

Kaiteriteri Beach is just a 15 minute drive from Motueka. Takaka Hill Walk is one of several short walks found 20 kilometers from town, as well as Ngarua Caves which display moa bones and illumated stalactites.

Boat charters and water taxis to Abel Tasman offer opportunity to encounter dolphins as well as blue penguins and other sea birds.

Motueka New Zealand and its surrounding community are home to artists and reggae musicians. Dredlocked people inhaling deeply and often can be found in nearby Tataka. Cooperative sustainable living exists in nearby Riverside Community.