Mapua

Harbour, art and waterside trails

At Māpua Wharf, maritime history, art and waterside activities come together. The wharf is at the mouth of the Waimea Estuary and is one of the few surviving historic working wharves in New Zealand. There is also a museum, galleries and shops featuring work by local craftspeople. If you want to combine cycling, culture and time by the water on your holiday, Mapua offers a wide range of ways to do so.

By bike, on foot and by ferry

Tasman’s Great Taste Trail passes through Māpua and can be explored on foot or by bike. The distance details are useful for planning the coastal sections: the trail is 15 kilometres long between Richmond and Māpua, and 33 kilometres between Māpua and Motueka. These sections differ considerably in length and may be a factor when choosing your route for the day.

Another option for pedestrians and cyclists is the Māpua Ferry between Rabbit Island and Māpua Wharf across the Māpua Inlet. The crossing is 200 metres long and takes about seven minutes. The ferry is designed specifically for cyclists and pedestrians and operates from late September to late May. There are also areas at Māpua Wharf reserved exclusively for pedestrians.

Maritime history and art

The Port Māpua Maritime Museum is housed in the original Māpua Wharf building. Its exhibition features photographs, interactive video displays and maritime memorabilia relating to the wharf’s history. It covers the role of early Māori as well as regional cargo and passenger ships and their freight. Lighthouses, wharves, jetties and landing places in the district are also among its topics. A photography museum at Māpua Wharf also records the history and events that shaped the wharf’s growth.

New Zealand art and design take centre stage at the Coolstore Gallery. Its curated collection includes works by more than 100 artists, including painters, sculptors, jewellers and carvers. Shops at the wharf featuring work by local craftspeople and high-quality goods add to the selection. For a visit with children, Rare Creations is another place to discover: in its interactive area, toys can be set in motion by pressing buttons, turning handles and operating dials.

Water, food and events

In summer, swimming, fishing and jumping off the wharf are among the popular activities at Māpua Wharf. The waterfront park there also has an amphitheatre for public concerts. For a meal break, you can enjoy fish and chips at the wharf. Golden Bear Brewing Co. is also based there as a craft brewery and restaurant, offering award-winning beers and a Los Angeles-inspired Mexican menu.

Around Easter, the Mapua Easter Fair offers local crafts, art, and artisan food and drinks. Near Mapua, Playhouse Café & Theatre offers live entertainment, including live bands, stand-up comedy and theatre performances. If you’re looking for a holiday home in Mapua, these different interests can help you plan your trip around cycling routes, maritime history, art or waterside activities. Māpua Wharf is a short 15-minute drive from Motueka.

More destinations: Motueka, Marahau, Mahana, Brightwater, Murchison, Takaka, Anatori, Upper Moutere.

For the main travel guide: Tasman District.