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Motueka is a town in the Nelson Bays region of New Zealand's South Island that lies close to the Motueka River. The central business district includes two large supermarkets; cafes, fast food chains, and restaurants; as well as gift shops, clothing shops and various other shops; all streched along the main street.

The surrounding district has a large, but diminishing, number of orchards, as well as growing a variety of specialised crops such as hops and boysenberries (it was formerly the main centre of tobacco growing in New Zealand and some patches survive between police raids, growing for their "own consumption"). A number of small boutique wineries have gained an international reputation.

Nearby beaches (such as Kaiteriteri Beach and Marahau) are very popular with holidaymakers, and the area around Motueka has one of the country's highest annual sunshine-hour indices. The coastline between Motueka and Marahau has been dubbed the Riviera of the South Island after the famous French Riviera.

Motueka, as the nearest town to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, has become the base of many tourism ventures in those parks, as well as in other recreational areas. Extensive limestone cave systems (including Harwoods Hole in the Takaka Hill area north of Motueka) attract cavers and rock climbers. Sea kayaking and tramping now attract many thousands of visitors each year.

Many artists and craftspeople live in the area around Motueka, especially potters and reggae musicians. The Riverside Community, in nearby Lower Moutere is a pacifist international community founded in the 1940s and now New Zealand's oldest co-operative commune.

• <do name="Abel Tasman Skydive" alt="" address="Motueka Airport, 16 College Street" directions="" phone="+64 3 528 4091" url="http://www.skydive.co.nz/" hours="" price="9,000ft skydive: $249; 13,000ft skydive: $299: 16,500ft skydive: $399" lat="" long="">Rated within the top 10 greatest skydive operations in the world, Skydive Abel Tasman is guaranteed to give you an exhilarating skydive to remember. Freefall for either 30, 50 or 70 seconds from 9000, 13000. or 16500 feet. Take in the spectacular view of the Abel Tasman National Park as you help guide the parachute or just relax and enjoy the ride.</do>

• <do name="Motueka Mini Golf" alt="" address="390 Chamberlain Street" directions="" phone="+64 27 205 4242" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">18 hole mini golf course, with each hole representing a local icon.</do>

• <eat name="The Beach Cafe and Bar" alt="" address="Tahunanui Reserve, Tahuna" directions="" phone="+64 3 546-4617" url="http://www.thebeachcafe.co.nz/" hours="daily" price="$8 plus" lat="" long="">Reviewed in the Sunday Star Times as the place to go - enjoy this all year round beach location with finest home-made food and drink on offer. Always the warmest of welcomes. Best coffee [see New Zealand Coffee Guide] and right on the beach. Kids friendly. Highchairs. Parking. Zoo. Tennis and Parklands.</eat>

• <sleep name="Doone Cottage Country Homestay" alt="" address="2281 Motueka Valley Highway" directions="" phone="+64 3 526 8740" url="http://www.doonecottage.co.nz" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">Charming 100 yr old home secluded in 4 acres of gardens offering en suite bed & breakfast accommodation in Motueka so close to Abel Tasman National Park & top South Island trout fishing rivers.</sleep>

• <sleep name="Equestrian Lodge Motel & Gardens" alt="" address="2 Avalon Court" directions="" phone="+64 3 528 9369" url="http://www.equestrianlodge.co.nz/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">5 mins stroll from the heart of the Motueka township, and an easy walk to the 18 hole golf course. All motel units are open to the beautiful landscaped gardens, complete with a shaded barbecue area and a childrens play area. </sleep>

• Motueka Information Centre, Wallace Street, Phone: +64 3 528 6543, Email: [email protected]

Abel Tasman National Park Kaiteriteri Beach Marahau