Top Things to Do in Motueka

Visit the weekly Sunday market

Start your Sunday morning the right way (and the same way that Motueka locals have been starting it for nearly 30 years), with hot coffee in hand and browsing the eclectic array of goodies in the Decks Reserve carpark. A fusion of farmers, craft, and secondhand markets, the Motueka Sunday Market is surprisingly and refreshingly diverse. It’s a true feast for the senses, with delicious artisan treats, soft handcrafted fabrics, the smell of freshly baked bread, the sight of unique artworks and the sweet sound of musical entertainment.

Take a scenic skydive

If you’re feeling adventurous, just a few minutes out of the town centre, you’ll find a place that can satisfy your need for some heart-pumping action, Skydive Abel Tasman. Nowhere else in the country will you be able to jump out of a plane with views of the North and South islands, three national parks, turquoise blue waters, lush native forest, golden sandy beaches and one of the largest natural sandspits in the world. The answer to ‘Do I do it?’ is simple.. the only real questions that remain are: how high will you go, and what life motto will you graffiti your hands with?

Try some donuts at The Smoking Barrel

Do you know that feeling when you taste something so wonderful that your taste buds feel like they are dancing inside your mouth? Do you find yourself daydreaming for days on end about that piece of decadent deliciousness? That’s precisely how we feel about The Smoking Barrel doughnuts, and it’s no wonder hundreds of them fly out the door every day, with people travelling from near and far to satisfy their sugar cravings. A selection of filled and fried doughnuts sit like prized possessions in a glass cabinet, garnished with labels such as ‘hokey pokey’ and ‘raspberry vanilla custard’, and prized possessions they are.

Swim at the saltwater baths

In the 1920s, sharks made Motueka Beach too dangerous for swimming, so locals raised money to enclose an area on the foreshore. Starting as a galvanized wire enclosure in 1926, the Motueka Saltwater Baths have become a popular destination year-round. In warmer months, families paddle in the saltwater pools and sunbathe on the decking. In colder months, the baths are a stunning spot for photographers, with reflective surfaces ideal for steel wool and sunset shots.

Take a foodie tour

Motueka has become a foodie destination, with a selection of cafés and restaurants that draw people from near and far to try their staple dishes and delicious treats. If you're passing through Motueka on your way to the Abel Tasman National Park, you'll want to ensure you visit on an empty stomach. Meanwhile, if you're in the area for a few days, you'll want to hit all the hotspots.

Get a photo with the Janie Seddon Shipwreck

The Janie Seddon Shipwreck is a popular subject for photographers, but nothing compares to seeing it in person. This iconic ship has a unique history, serving as a submarine mining vessel, military ship, and fishing boat. As the last surviving military ship from both world wars, it was purchased by Talley’s fishing group and later abandoned at Motueka Wharf in the 1950s. Today, the remains lie off the coast of Motueka, easily accessible by a short walk along the foreshore, making it one of the most photographed spots in the area.

Walk to the Riuwaka Resurgence

The source of the Riuwaka River is an underground spring known as the ‘Resurgence’, a name that reflects the peace and tranquillity of this remarkable place. The Riuwaka Resurgence's springs are considered wahi tapu (sacred) by the people of Te Atiawa and Ngāti Rārua, and emerge from the depths of the Tākaka 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 20-minute return walk from the grassy carpark.

Visit the nearby national parks

Whether you dream of golden sands and turquoise waters or untracked wilderness, Motueka has something for you. As the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park, it's the perfect base to explore the stunning landscapes of our region. Spend a few days here, stock up on supplies, and venture into the locals' 'backyard paradise.'

Watch a movie at the Gecko Theatre

Motueka offers a perfect blend of the theatre experience and home comfort at the Gecko Movie Theatre. Founded in the early 2000s by five friends, this boutique cinema provides everything for a cozy night out. Grab a blanket, relax on a couch, and enjoy top feature films and documentaries from around the world—PJs welcome!

Go trout fishing in the Motueka River

Every angler's dream is to be knee-deep in a premier brown trout river, and Motueka can make that dream come true. Fringed with vegetation, the exceptional water quality, long riffles, boisterous rapids and deep pools of the Motueka River make for a stunning yet challenging fishing experience. With guided fishing tours and specialist lodges such as Stonefly Lodge dotted along the banks of the Motueka River, you’ll have everything you need for the ultimate fishing experience no further than a stone’s throw from the riverbed.