Located on the northwestern coast of the South Island, Motueka is a lively town that serves as the gateway to some of New Zealand’s most popular national parks. The town center, just steps from the stunning shoreline of the Tasman Bay (in Māori, Te Tai-o-Aorere), is bustling with boutique shops, mom-and-pop restaurants, galleries, and artist collectives. Just outside downtown you’ll find aquamarine waters, lush forests, and one of the world’s longest sand spits, making Motueka a great place for hiking, swimming, wildlife spotting, and photography.

During your visit, you can take a walk to the Riuwaka Resurgence, a sacred underground spring surrounded by native forest, or explore the lively rapids and hidden pools along the Motueka River. Even more spectacular terrain can be found in Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park, both a short drive from town.

Most visitors from the US will fly into Christchurch International Airport (CHC), which is about 5 hours’ drive to Motueka; you can take a connecting flight from Christchurch to Nelson Airport (NSN), which is around a 35-minute drive to town. While buses run from the airport to Motueka, it is more convenient to rent a car and drive, as public transportation in the region is limited, especially if you plan on exploring the surrounding towns and parks. Within Motueka, it is possible to walk between most of the attractions, and there are many places to rent a kayak or paddleboard. Skip the parking lots at Abel Tasman National Park by taking a shuttle bus from town to the entrance to the park’s Coastal Track.

With cool and pleasant weather throughout the year, all four seasons are a great time to seek out Motueka accommodations. Remember that seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite to those in the US. During the summer (November through February), take advantage of the comfortably warm temperatures by taking a kayak onto the bay or hopping on one of the many boat tours that explore the coastline. January and February are generally the driest months of the year. The rains pick back up in March, and while the winter months (May through September) are rarely cold, they do get wet and overcast, and the town quiets down. This is still a wonderful time to explore Motueka, but you may want to check with activity operators to see if they are still running tours. All year long, you can join the locals shopping at Motueka’s Sunday market and pick up freshly baked goods, artisanal products, and vintage and hand-crafted clothing.

Motueka District Museum

Located in the center of the city in a former highschool building, the Motueka District Museum features permanent and rotating exhibits dedicated to the history of the Motueka region and its peoples. The museum honors the town’s Māori roots while exploring its history of European settlement, and pays homage to the importance of the horticultural and fishing industries to the region.

Abel Tasman National Park

Located just a 20-minute drive from Motueka, this national park is located along the shore of Te Tai-o-Aorere (Tasman Bay). It is famous for its untouched forests and golden-sand beaches. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track, which takes three to five days to hike, leads you over headlands and through lush native forests before reaching a series of pristine beaches. You can also explore the park by water in a sea kayak or on a boat tour.

Tasman Great Taste Trail

This 100-mile-long cycling trail connects Nelson with Motueka and the surrounding region, and the section near Motueka makes for an ideal day trip. Cycle along narrow lanes through verdant valleys, stopping at fruit stands to recharge. If you make it as far as Kaiteriteri Mountainbike Park, 8 miles north of town, you’ll unlock a whole new adventure: Its 25 rolling mountain-bike trails wind through open terrain as well as dense forests.