Best of Motueka Ward

Motueka Ward Essentials

Motueka Ward serves as the primary entrance to Abel Tasman National Park. This selection features the golden sands of Kaiteriteri Beach and the distinctively fractured Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock. Inland attractions include the marble landscape of Takaka Hill, home to the Ngārua Caves and views from Hawkes Lookout. Coastal highlights range from the Abel Tasman Coastal Track's granite cliffs to the natural rock slide at Cleopatra’s Pool and the historic Motueka Saltwater Baths.

Rosino / CC BY-SA 2.0

Split Apple Rock

Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock is a geological rock formation in Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere off the northern coast of the South Island of…

Sergi Balaguer / CC BY-SA 2.0

Kaiteriteri Beach

Clear water, nice view, sun and sand. What else would you need?

Patrick Orlob / Public domain

Abel Tasman Coastal Track

One of New Zealand's Great Walks, this 60-kilometer trail winds through coastal forests and golden beaches between Marahau and Wainui.

Motueka Saltwater Baths

Built in the 1930s, this historic tidal swimming pool features a boardwalk and provides a safe swimming area that refills with the changing tides.

Ngārua Caves

Located on Takaka Hill, these marble caves contain extensive stalactites, stalagmites, and a well-preserved skeleton of the extinct moa bird.

Cleopatra's Pool

A natural rock pool located along the Torrent River, featuring a moss-lined stone slide formed by the river's flow.

Hawkes Lookout

A short walk on Takaka Hill leads to this viewpoint overlooking the Riwaka Valley and the Motueka River plains toward Tasman Bay.

Pitt Head

A prominent headland near Te Pukatea Bay offering panoramic views of the coastline and the site of an ancient Māori pā.

Split Apple Beach

A secluded bay providing land access to the Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock formation via a short bush track.

Harwood Lookout

Located at the summit of Takaka Hill, this vantage point offers views of the Canaan Downs and the deep marble karst landscape.