What to Do in Motueka, the Fruit Bowl of Nelson Tasman
Located along the Tasman Great Taste Trail, Motueka is a must-stop for foodies and wine-lovers. The rich fertile lands make it a growing hub for fruit and wine in the region.
On top of that, this town in the northern Tasman region is a hub for visiting the famous Abel Tasman National Park, finding hidden gems in the Kahurangi National Park and experiencing adventure activities like skydiving and canyoning!
See what you could be getting up to with this list of things to do in Motueka.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 20 Epic Natural Attractions in Golden Bay.
Table of Contents
1. Ride the Great Taste Trail
The Great Taste Trail is one of New Zealand’s most scenic cycling routes, spanning 174 km (108 mi) between Nelson and Kaiteriteri, with Motueka sitting right in the middle as a key hub along the way.
The trail winds through orchards, vineyards, coastal boardwalks and picturesque countryside, making it perfect for casual cyclists and families.
Hire a bike and shuttle service in town to tackle a section of the trail, or go the distance and take in the full journey. The coastal ride toward Kaiteriteri is particularly popular, offering stunning views across Tasman Bay and access to the Abel Tasman gateways.
Along the way, stop by Nelson region art galleries, vineyards and restaurants for a true taste of the region.
Location: Nelson to Kaiteriteri.
© Dean McKenzie - Tourism NZ2. Check Out the Sunday Market
Pick up authentic souvenirs, sample local foods and buy fresh produce at the fantastic Motueka Sunday Market. One of the region’s most popular weekly markets, it’s a real Kiwi experience that runs year-round and showcases the area’s strong horticulture and creative culture.
From seasonal fruit and vegetables to handcrafted jewellery, baked goods and live music, the market brings together local producers and artisans in a lively community atmosphere.
It’s also a brilliant spot to try affordable street eats while meeting the makers behind them. Catch it on a Sunday, 8 am-1 pm.
Location: Decks Reserve Carpark, Wallace Street.
© Motueka Sunday Market - Nelson Regional Development Agency3. Discover the Riwaka Resurgence
Just outside of Motueka, on the edge of the Kahurangi National Park, follow a short walking trail through native forest to where the Riwaka River emerges from under a mountain.
The water has been filtering through the karst limestone landscape for many years before bursting crystal clear from the Riwaka Resurgence at the base of the Takaka Hill range, a must-see in Motueka!
From viewing platforms, you’ll be treated to stunning turquoise pools and moss-covered rock formations. The site holds cultural significance to local Māori and is especially impressive after rainfall when water flow increases dramatically.
Location: Riwaka Valley Road, 18.5 km (11.5 mi) northwest of Motueka.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Indulge in Great Food
As a productive fruit-growing region, Motueka is kind of crazy about food. The town’s farm-to-table scene is thriving, thanks to its surrounding orchards, hop fields and coastal location.
It’s well worth stopping by to try some of the great local eateries like Precinct Dining Co. for modern New Zealand dishes, or The Smoking Barrel for hearty meals and craft drinks.
For something more casual, Motueka Bakery and several cafés along High Street offer fresh baking and great-value lunches.
Location: Motueka town.
© NelsonTasman.nz & @barekiwi - Nelson Regional Development Agency5. Play Golf in Motueka or Kina Beach
Get into New Zealand’s most popular sport (with the highest participation rate) at one of the spectacular golf courses near Motueka.
Motueka Golf Club offers a traditional 18-hole course surrounded by farmland with stunning mountain views, perfect for a casual round in a relaxed rural setting.
For something more dramatic, head to Tasman Golf Club closer to the coast, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views across Tasman Bay, estuary wetlands and distant mountains.
Both clubs welcome visitors and offer the laid-back atmosphere typical of the region. See more golf courses in the 20 Best Golf Courses in New Zealand.
Location: Motueka Golf Club – Harbour Road. Tasman Golf Club – 128 Cliffs Road.
© Pexels6. Tour the Highlights of Abel Tasman & Golden Bay
Motueka is a great base to explore the stunning Abel Tasman National Park and the hidden gem of Golden Bay. See it all on a tour with Tasman Tours, taking small groups to Kaiteriteri for a boat cruise into the Abel Tasman National Park and stunning Totaranui Beach.
You’ll then venture to Takaka, enjoy short walks to lookouts and the crystal clear waters of Te Waikoropupu Springs.
You’ll then return to Motueka over the picturesque Takaka Hill.
Location: Pick-up from the Motueka i-SITE.
© Tasman Tours7. Go Canyoning in the Abel Tasman National Park
Discover the wild and adventurous part of the Abel Tasman National Park that others rarely get to see with Abel Tasman Canyons. Join the team for their epic “Waterfall Creek” adventure where you’ll wade up a pristine river, climb 400 m (1,312 ft) above sea level through ancient forest and use remote river canyons as your playground for abseiling, waterfall sliding, scrambling and climbing!
This is their biggest and most challenging canyoning mission in New Zealand, requiring solid energy levels and a sense of adventure.
Along the way, experienced guides will introduce you to centuries-old giant trees and share the rich history of the area before you tackle some seriously big slides and abseils in a truly remote setting.
Location: Pick-up from the Motueka i-SITE.
© Abel Tasman Canyons8. Go on a Wine Tour
Don’t worry about picking a sober driver when visiting the Nelson wine region with Tasman Tours.
Go on a half-day wine tour where you can either pick wineries to visit or let your guide show you at least three boutique wineries or even visit a brewery or art galleries.
Explore the wineries of the Waimea Plains and Moutere Hills and sample Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and other varietals.
Location: Pick-up from the Motueka i-SITE.
© Tasman Tours9. Skydive from 20,000ft!
See Motueka and the Abel Tasman National Park from dizzying heights with Skydive Abel Tasman. This tandem experience takes care of all the logistics, from the scenic flight over the park’s golden coastline and forested peaks to the actual jump, so you can focus purely on the adrenaline rush.
Feel the ultimate thrill as you freefall at 200 kph (124 mph) for up to 80 seconds from either 13,000ft or 20,000ft. Once your instructor deploys the parachute, you’ll float gently back to earth while soaking in panoramic views across two national parks.
Photography packages are available to capture every moment of this epic bucket-list adventure.
Location: Motueka Airport. Accommodation pick-ups available.
© Skydive Abel Tasman10. Visit Motueka Saltwater Baths
The Motueka Saltwater Baths are among New Zealand’s few remaining historic tidal pools, offering a sheltered and nostalgic swimming spot that fills naturally with seawater at high tide.
Dating back to the early 20th century, these baths provide a safe place for families to enjoy the water without ocean waves.
The surrounding grassy reserve is perfect for picnics or watching the sunset over Tasman Bay, capturing the essence of Motueka’s laid-back coastal lifestyle. It’s a simple yet charming experience that locals have treasured for generations.
Location: Wharf Road, located on the Motueka waterfront.
© NelsonTasman.nz & BareKiwi - Nelson Regional Development Agency11. See the Janie Seddon Shipwreck
Visit a striking piece of maritime history visible at low tide near Motueka’s coast.
The Janie Seddon is a steel scow that was grounded in 1908 and remains partially exposed in the tidal flats today. This shipwreck offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s seafaring past and makes for an especially photogenic stop at sunrise or sunset when the light reflects beautifully off the shallow waters.
The wreck is easily combined with a coastal walk along the estuary area, making it a lovely addition to your Motueka itinerary.
Location: Motueka Estuary Walkway, Wharf Road, approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) north of central Motueka.
© NelsonTasman.nz & BareKiwi - Nelson Regional Development Agency12. Visit Zappekin (Local Art & Creative Space)
Zappekin is a small local creative space and artisan outlet that showcases handcrafted goods, art and design pieces from Motueka and the wider Tasman region. It’s a lovely reflection of the area’s thriving creative community, with works ranging from ceramics and textiles to painting and sculpture.
It’s a quiet but worthwhile stop for those interested in Motueka’s arts scene, where you can browse unique, locally made souvenirs while supporting independent artists.
Location: High Street, located in central Motueka township.
© Nelson Regional Development AgencyMore Things to Do Near Motueka
That’s it for our guide to Motueka; for more information about the Nelson region, check out the following articles:
- 10 Super Things to Do in Murchison
- 10 Amazing Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park
- 10 Nelson Must-Dos
Find more activities for your travels in the 50 Best Things to Do in the South Island.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Nelson Tasman Official Tourism
- Nelson City Council (Local council website)
- Tasman District Council (Local council website)
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