Fernweh: Home
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    de|en
    All Places & RegionsAll highlightsAbout FernwehFAQPrivacy PolicyImprint
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    Mapua

    New Zealand

    Mapua

    VillageCulture

    Mapua is a small coastal town on the Waimea Inlet, about 30 minutes west of Nelson. Its old fruit port, Mapua Wharf, is lined with shops, galleries, cafés, and a small brewery.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. New Zealand
    7. Nelson Tasman
    9. Mapua
    Mapua is a small coastal town on the Waimea Inlet, about 30 minutes west of Nelson. Its old fruit port, Mapua Wharf, is lined with shops, galleries, cafés, and a small brewery.The town is located on the Great Taste Trail, a cycle trail between Nelson and Motueka. Many cyclists take a break here and cross to Rabbit Island on the small ferry.

    Sehenswürdigkeiten

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Rare Creations, Interactive Wooden Art Gallery

    1Rare Creations, Interactive Wooden Art Gallery

    Gallery with wood art to interact with and try out, plus a café.
    Open in Google Maps
    Mapua Wharf

    2Mapua Wharf

    Old fruit harbor at the mouth of the Waimea Inlet, today with shops, galleries, cafes and fish and chips. From here, a small ferry for cyclists crosses the channel to Rabbit Island in summer.
    Open in Google Maps
    Grossi Point Reserve

    3Grossi Point Reserve

    Small nature reserve on the headland south of the harbour, with a short loop trail and views over the Waimea Inlet.
    Open in Google Maps
    Rabbit Island Beach
    Attraction

    4Rabbit Island Beach

    Long sandy beach on Moturoa/Rabbit Island between Mapua and Richmond, behind the beach a pine forest with picnic spots. The Great Taste Trail runs across the island.
    Open in Google Maps

    City walks in Mapua

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Der Charme von Mapua: Ein Spaziergang durch Neuseelands Künstlerdorf

    Entdecken Sie Mapua, ein idyllisches Küstendorf an der Tasman Bay, auf diesem entspannten 2-stündigen Spaziergang. Von der lebhaften Werft mit ihren Galerien und Cafés bis zu den malerischen Küstenpfaden und charmanten Boutiquen der Hauptstraße – erleben Sie das einzigartige Flair dieser neuseeländischen Perle. Perfekt, um die lokale Kunst, Gastronomie und atemberaubende Natur zu genießen.

    ~2 Std.
    Open in Google Maps
    Stops (6)

    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Tasman Bay Farm

    Restaurant on a farm on Aporo Road between Mapua and Motueka, with European-inspired cuisine.
    Show on Google Maps
    2

    Elba's Pazza Pizza

    Pizzeria on Aranui Road near the harbor, also for takeaway.
    Show on Google Maps
    3

    Playhouse Cafe and Theatre Restaurant

    Cafe and restaurant on Westdale Road in Mapua's hinterland, also used for events.
    Show on Google Maps
    4

    The Indian, Mapua

    Indian Restaurant located on Aranui Road.
    Show on Google Maps
    5

    Golden Bear Brewing Company

    Brewery with a pub at Mapua Wharf, own-brewed beer and occasional live music.
    Show on Google Maps

    From Fruit Port to Resort Town

    In the 20th century, Mapua Wharf shipped apples and other fruit from surrounding plantations. After port operations ceased, the old warehouses were repurposed and now house shops and eateries. Long before, the area around the Waimea Inlet was a Māori fishing and gathering ground.

    Arrival and On-Site

    From Nelson, it's about a 30-minute drive on State Highway 60, while Mapua can be reached by bike on the Great Taste Trail. The town center around the harbor is compact and walkable.

    Accommodations in Mapua

    Find perfect stay in Mapua

    Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Agoda* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Airbnb
    Vacation Rentals

    * Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.

    Nearby

    Motueka

    Motueka is a small town on Tasman Bay, about 45 minutes from Nelson, surrounded by orchards and hop fields. For many travelers, it's the last supply point before Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay.On High Street, you'll find supermarkets, cafés, and outfitters, and on the waterfront, the shipwreck of the Janie Seddon and a tidal pool for swimming. On Sundays, a market is held.

    Tahunanui

    Tahunanui is Nelson's beach suburb, about five kilometers southwest of the centre. Its wide, flat sandy beach on Tasman Bay is popular with families; behind it are lawns, playgrounds, a small zoo and campsite.The kitesurfing scene gathers at Back Beach, behind the dunes. In neighbouring Stoke are Isel Park and Pic's peanut butter factory.

    Nelson

    Nelson is located on Tasman Bay in the north of the South Island and is one of New Zealand's sunniest cities. The city center around Trafalgar Street is compact, with Christ Church Cathedral standing at its upper end on Church Hill. Galleries, crafts, and small breweries define the city.For many travelers, Nelson is the base for Abel Tasman National Park, Golden Bay, and the surrounding wineries. On Saturdays, the Nelson Market takes place in the city center.

    Nelson Tasman

    Nelson Tasman is located at the northwestern tip of the South Island and is one of New Zealand's sunniest regions. Its main town is Nelson on Tasman Bay, from where you can reach three national parks: Abel Tasman with its bays, Kahurangi to the west, and Nelson Lakes in the mountains.Between Nelson and Motueka lie fruit orchards, hop fields, and vineyards, while in the remote northwest you'll find Golden Bay with Farewell Spit.
    Abel Tasman National Park

    Abel Tasman National Park

    The Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park, nestled between Tasman Bay and Golden Bay. Its coast is defined by golden sandy coves, turquoise waters, and granite cliffs, with forested hills rising inland.The park can be explored on foot via the Abel Tasman Coast Track, by kayak, or by water taxi, which stops at numerous beaches. Roads only reach its fringes, with Marahau and Kaiteriteri in the south and Totaranui in the north serving as access points.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI