Māpua

Just half hour’s drive from Nelson and you’ll find yourself in the charming seaside hamlet of Māpua.

Māpua is a very popular short trip for locals wanting to enjoy a meal or a bit of boutique shopping with an onshore breeze and a view of the water. Jumping of the Māpua pier is a famous summer challenge for older kids (although do be mindful of the tide as the current is strong).

Over recent years Māpua has been very tastefully developed to make the most of its natural environment with the Tasman District Council having completely transformed it from being chiefly known in the past as the place with the most toxic former industrial site in the country to a very desirable place to live and visit.

Māpua now features quite a range of places to buy local products and enjoy a meal or listen to live music in the summer. There’s a nice green space for kids to play on and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view even if you’re not a paying customer of one of the local establishments.

If you’re cycling from Nelson to Motueka on the Great Taste Trail then you can also catch the ferry from Rabbit Island to Māpua with your cycles. Check the timetable to make sure you don’t have too long to wait on either side. Although having an ice cream or a cold drink on the Māpua side and watching the birdlife is a lovely way to while away some time.