Things to do in Moutere

Tour the cellar doors

The combination of passionate winemakers, gravel-threaded Moutere clay soils and plentiful sunshine make for a powerful trio and is undoubtedly why the Moutere produces some of the ripest and full-flavoured wine we have ever tasted. Savour the fruity density of these wines at one of the many family-owned boutique vineyards, looking out at the picturesque valleys before you. Whether the complex, multi-faceted Chardonnay tickles your fancy or the delicate elegance of a Pinot Noir, we guarantee that a visit to some of the Moutere's cellar doors and vineyards will tantalise your tastebuds.

Have a beer in New Zealand's oldest pub

Right in the heart of the Moutere, amongst the rolling hills and sloping valleys, you’ll find the oldest pub in New Zealand, still operating from its original building. Built in 1850, The Moutere Inn is so profoundly rooted (physically and metaphorically) in the local community that they only serve wines produced within 10km of the Inn, use an array of local ingredients on their menu and serve craft beers made from Nelson Tasman hops. Beer in hand and traditional pub grub in your tummy, what better time to reminisce on the unique history of the Inn and imagine who was sitting in your spot at the bar almost 170 years ago?

Explore the diverse range of art galleries

We like to make things in Nelson Tasman, whether visual arts, ceramics, music, or food, and the Moutere Artisans collective is no different. They exhibit art forms of all persuasions across their studios. Explore the diverse range of art galleries at your own pace, or take a tour with Wine, Art & Wilderness to see the talent, skill, and craftsmanship first-hand.

Taste your way around the region

The Moutere artisan community deeply loves and connects with the stunning natural landscapes that encircle them. The gravel-threaded clay soils provide excellent growing conditions for rich, flavoursome fruits, mycorrhizal mushrooms and for harvesting olives. So it’s no surprise to find roadside stalls and boutique stores dotted around the valley, selling local artisan goodies such as sheep cheese, olive oils, chutneys and jams.

Head out on your bike to explore the Moutere

The Upper Moutere offers extraordinary cycling trips amongst stunning vineyards, apple orchards and hop gardens over gently rolling hills and flat valleys (confident riders may like to make the more challenging uphill trip from nearby Mapua or Motueka). For a true Moutere experience, why not gather some artisan goodies and local produce from the roadside stalls into your bike basket and head to the sprawling green lawn at Neudorf Vineyards? Here, you can pair a fine, full-bodied glass of wine with a delicious picnic of sheep cheese, crackers, olives and chutneys.

Stay the night at Kina Beach

An overnight stay at Kina Beach is a must-do during your visit to the Moutere, whether you stay at the campground, a private retreat or if a waterfront lodge overlooking the Peninsula is more your style. The perfect base to explore the neighbouring townships and national parks, take a moment to truly appreciate the stunning views of the Kahurangi mountain ranges and coastal gardens surrounding you. Watch closely as the sun's rays retreat and the day turns briskly into the night, awakening Nelson City in a glimmering strip of light against the dark sky.

Tour the olive groves

An afternoon spent amongst rolling olive groves is an afternoon well spent, and Neudorf Olives offers a spectacular walk, talk and taste tour in the Moutere Hills (by booking only). You'll get to enjoy the picturesque views of the countryside and mountain ranges as you take a stroll through the groves, before they share their artisanal secrets with you and take you through the process of turning olives into olive oil. After working up an appetite, an indulgent tasting experience of three varieties of oil, dukkah and olives is sure to satisfy your cravings at the end of the tour. You can even stay overnight at the grove in a luxury private suite.

Hit a ball at the Tasman Golf Club

Whether you’re a skilled golfer or just fancy a bit of casual fun, you won’t find a more scenic golfing experience than at the Tasman Golf Club. Situated in the Kina Cliffs, the viridescent lawns contrast perfectly with the spectacular blue waters of Tasman Bay. We can’t promise it will be easy to get a hole-in-one when surrounded by such stunning vistas and mountainous ranges, but we can promise that the views are worth the higher number on the score sheet.

Top things to do in Moutere