More about Motueka / Tasman area

Here is some more information about relocating to Motueka/Tasman, some places to see when you arrive, to tick off your bucket list. And a guide to where you can shop, and where you can seek medical help.

Shop with the locals at the Sunday market. Start your Sunday morning the right way (and the same way that Motueka locals have been starting it for nearly 30 years), hot coffee in hand, browsing the eclectic array of goodies in the Decks Reserve Car Park. A fusion of a farmers, craft, and second-hand market, the Motueka Sunday Market is both surprisingly and refreshingly diverse. It’s a true feast for the senses, with the taste of delicious artisan treats, the feel of soft handcrafted fabrics, the smell of freshly baked bread, the sight of extraordinary artworks and the sweet sound of musical entertainment. Nearby, there is a world of treasures just waiting to be unveiled in the lively Motueka town centre, with award winning florists, jewellers, boutique gift stores, restaurants, galleries and artist collectives all making their home along the High Street. 

 Walk to the Riuwaka Resurgence The source of the Riuwaka River is an underground spring known as the ‘Resurgence’, a name that clearly reflects the peace and tranquility of this extraordinary place. The crystal clear springs are considered wahi tapu (sacred) by the people of Te Atiawa and Ngāti Rārua, and emerge from the depths of the Takaka 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 short 20-minute return walk from the grassy carpark

Relax and unwind at nearby national parks Whether you’re dreaming about golden sands and turquoise waters, or untracked wilderness and rugged back country, we guarantee we have something for you! Motueka is the gateway town to two of the Nelson Tasman region’s stunning National Parks – Abel Tasman and Kahurangi, and is the perfect base from which to explore the stunning natural landscapes the region is renowned for. We recommend spending a few days here, stocking up on essential supplies and then venturing out into what the locals like to call their ‘backyard paradise’. 

Adventure over to Golden Bay, it will not disappoint. About an hour away from Motueka, this small country town has a lot to offer. Saturday markets, amazing beaches. Short or long Bush walks Te Waikoropupu Springs. the springs are known for the clarity of the water, and the volume of water discharged. The springs are spiritually significant to Māori people.

Swim at the saltwater baths. Story has it that in the early 1920’s the beach at Motueka was too dangerous to bathe in, after some sharks decided to call the bay their home Locals, not wanting to miss out on refreshing dips on hot summer days, decided to raise money to enclose an area on the foreshore so they didn’t have to worry about the marine life underfoot. What started off as a galvanised wire enclosure in 1926, has now developed and become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, all year round. During the warmer months, you’ll see families paddling in the saltwater pools and sunbathing on the decking, whilst in the colder months, the baths are an extraordinary setting for budding photographers, with the reflective surfaces proving perfect for steel wool and sunset photography. 

Get a photo with the Janie Seddon Shipwreck A popular subject for photographers near and far, it’s highly likely that you have seen the remains of the Janie Seddon Shipwreck appear on your Instagram feed, but if you ask us, nothing quite compares to a face-to-bow encounter! The iconic ship has a rich and unique history, with a diverse career as a submarine mining vessel, a military ship and a fishing boat. Earning the title as the last surviving military ship to have served in both world wars, Janie was purchased by the local Talley’s fishing group as the first in their fleet many, many years ago. But in 1950 she was laid up on the Motueka Wharf, and after sinking at her moorings a few years later she was stripped of anything of use and left to the elements. To this day, she still lies off the coast of Motueka, and a short walk along the foreshore will take you to her newfound home on what is now possibly the most photographed piece of sand in the

Relax on golden sandy beaches You’ll never be short of picturesque beaches to choose from in the Abel Tasman, and the golden sands of Kaiteriteri could quite possibly rival the recognised wonders of the world. The result of the weathering of ancient granite rocks, crystals of quartz and mica are released out to sea, where the finely ground glittering golden sand particles are washed up to shore to form the idyllic Kaiteriteri Beach. The perfect place to lay back and relax all year round, the feeling of golden sand between your toes and the sea breeze in your hair is truly extraordinary.

Doctors 

The Doctors Motueka 

27 Wallace Street 

03 528 8358

Greenwood Health 

20 Greenwood Street 

03 528 8866 

Retail stores

The Warehouse  

Open today 8.00am – 9.00pm.  

270 High Street Motueka 

New World  

271 High Street Motueka 

Mon-Sun: 7:30 am - 9:00 pm 

Countdown 

108 High Street Motueka – 07:00am – 09:00pm

Hi Motueka – Variety shop

207 High Street, Motueka 09:00am – 05:30pm

Motueka Community Store

Unit 2/296 High Street Motueka – 10:00am – 04:00pm

Western Union – Transfer money back home

230a High Street Motueka – 08:00am- 05:00pm

BNZ Bank 

141 High Street Motueka – 10:00am – 04:00pm

Beetroot – organic foods

211 High Street Motueka

09:00am – 05:00pm