Abel Tasman information at the Motueka i-SITE

Look out for the i-SITE logo for on-the-ground friendly and free information.

Motueka - our town's name

Motueka (meaning 'island of bush with Weka') was known for its delightful climate from very early times and this attracted Maori settlement in the area. With the high sunshine hours Motueka was one of the best areas in the South Island to grow the prized kumara, or maori sweet potato. The conquest by the North Island Chief Te Rauparaha and his forces, of which today's local tribes Ngati Rarua and Te Ati Awa were a part, happened just a few years before Frenchman Dumont D'Urville explored the coastline in 1827. Much of the Abel Tasman National Park coastline still bears names bestowed upon it by D'Urville .

The history of European settlement dates from 1842 when the town was surveyed off.

The town was built on farming and two crops unique to the Motueka District were grown here, tobacco and hops. Tobacco was the mainstay of the economy until the late 1980's. The tobacco crops gave way to apple and kiwifruit orchards and more recently vineyards. Our region is the last in New Zealand growing hops.

Motueka township is a vibrant, friendly and cosmopolitan town on the western side of the Tasman Bay. The long summer days and mild winters attract many people to the town and a large number then choose to call Motueka home. Motueka is the third largest town in the Nelson Province with a population of 7125 (2006 Census). The surrounding district is home to a further 5397.

The climate is one of the best in New Zealand with the average summer temperature at 21.5 degrees centigrade and winter at 12.8. The area has on average 2400 hours of sunshine with 970mm of rainfall. February is the warmest month and July the coldest.

Motueka is the Town of the Abel Tasman National Park and you'll find all the ammenities you would expect in a larger town, with supermarkets, an extensive array of shops and services, artizans, amazing cafes and the Motueka i-SITE Visitor Centre offering friendly advice on the local area and attractions.

Kaiteriteri ("to eat quickly") and Marahau ("windy garden")

Kaiteriteri Beach
This is one of New Zealands most magnificent beaches. Kaiteriteri is a holiday mecca for New Zealanders and visitors alike. The area has a motor camp, backpackers, motel and Bed and Breakfast accommodation available, along with a general store and fuel. Many boat and kayak trips leave from here for the Abel Tasman National Park.

Marahau
This village is the true gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Being such, the majority of the Abel Tasman National Park adventures begin from here, water taxis, kayaking, horse riding and many more. There is a large array of accommodation from backpackers to a 4 star plus Qualmark lodge. There are 2 cafes and a general store in Marahau but no fuel.