Kevin's Guide to Nelson, New Zealand - Visiting Nelson (Morueka District)

- Motueaka

- Tasman Bay

- Nelson City

- Nelson South

- Accommodation

- Transportation

- Gay friendly
businesses
- Media and
Entertainment

Spectrum (Nelson) Inc.

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Motueka

Motueka (population of 6,330 - 1991 Census), is at the heart of the regions horticulture industry, with hops, apples, pears, chinese gooseberries (better known as kiwifruit, or zespri) black currents, raspberries, and boysenberries being the mainstays of the industry. Until about 10 years ago, Motueka was also the only place in New Zealand where tobacco was grown - this industry no longer exists here.

Green tea growing has created a still small, but thriving, industry for the area. Hops grown in the area are exported to a number of countries, including Germany. The Government has also recently given the go-ahead for trialling hemp growing in the area.

At the port is Talleys Fisheries, the largest employer in the town. Not only does Talleys process fish and other seafoods (shellfish etc.) for the local and export markets, but they process frozen vegetables and manufacture ice cream on the site.

Among the many park areas etc. in Motueka is the Motueka Recreation Centre, home of a large number of activities including the main indoor rock climbing wall in the region, a skating rink, and the local cinema.

The aviation industry makes good use of the airfield at Motueka as the Nelson Aviation College is based there. Pilots from around the world (particularly from south-east Asia) come here to gain flying experience and sit their exams for commercial pilots licences, in both twin engined fixed wing aircraft and in helicoptors. The tandem skydiving companies in Nelson also use the Motueka airstrip for their operations when the weather or other conditions would make things difficult for using Nelson. Three or four times a year, the runway at the Motueka airstrip is used as the Nelson district drag racing strip.

Motueka from the air.
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Among the local places of interest are:

Lower Moutere

On the southern outskirts of Motueka is Lower Moutere, home of a tractor museum which preserves the machines which helped shaped Motueka's horticultural heritage, and in doing so looks back on the development of this heritage.

Riwaka

Riwaka is a small settlement just north of Motueka which forms the heart of the hop growing industry in New Zealand. Hops are one of the main ingredients in the brewing of beer.
A flying fox has recently been installed near the main road in Riwaka (on the way to Kaiteriteri). It takes four passengers inside the special cabin which is winched up the hill before release ready for the splash landing at the bottom. If you are feeling brave (or mad??), have a spare change of clothing and want that little extra out of the ride, you can have yourself strapped to the roof for the ride (room for two).

Riwaka Source

On the northern side of Riwaka is the Riwaka River. The source of the river is a picturesque spot surrounded by native bush, with the river itself coming from out of the ground from under the Takaka Hill.

Kaiteriteri

During summer, the holiday homes and the camping ground here fill up swelling the populatin from a hundred or so to several thousand. The beach of golden sand is sheltered and safe for swimming and boating. A very popular spot for day trippers as well.

Sandy Bay/Marahau

Marahau is on the shores of Sandy Bay. As the name suggests, the golden sand of the beach stretches for some distance out to sea.
Marahau is the main entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park with regular bus connections to Motueka and Nelson. It is also the base of the sea kayaking businesses which are licensed to operate inthe National Park.

Marahau and the Southern shoreline of the Abel Tasman National Park.
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