The real question is why wouldn’t you? Let me tell you what the area nestled between the Abel Tasman National Park and Nelson city has to offer.
Location, location, location
Well first of all, just that… Motueka is situated between the smallest yet most beautiful national park in New Zealand (yes, I might be a bit biased, but it’s not far from the truth) and Sunny Nelson. How is that for perfect location! Nelson owes its nickname Sunny Nelson form it’s high sunshine hours per year. The area around it is no exception, sun-kissed pretty much all year-round, the Motueka area benefits from terrific weather. So to sum it upNot only that, Motueka township is also only 20 min drive from the golden sand of Kaiteriteri and if you’re not fond of salt water, the refreshing Motueka River has plenty of good swimming holes to offer.
Healthier, alternative lifestyle
Because location is not everything, what I like about this place is the locals and their way of life. The people of Motueka and around are an eclectic mix of free spirited individuals from all around the world. The community has a strong focus on great food and sustainability. The rich fertile lands from Riwaka through to Motueka and beyond make the area a growing hub for fruit, hop and wine in the region, which is why the area is known as the “Fruit Bowl” of Nelson Tasman. The region is a perfect base for foodies and wine-lovers like me. Something I really love is shopping at the roadside stalls scattered all around the area. From fresh fruits and veggies to home-made jams and chutneys as well as eggs and honey, if you are too busy like me and your veggie patch looks depleted, you can be sure to find organic products without having to break the bank at the supermarket. Just take the car and drive around the neighbourhood!
Activities
The area has plenty to offer in terms of activities, trust me there is no time to get bored on the weekends, that’s for sure! You can go kayaking in the pristine waters of the Abel Tasman national park, try waka from Kaiteriteri beach, or kite surfing at Rabbit Island or Tahunanui beach. There are also plenty of cycling and walking trails around, amongst them is The Tasman Great Taste Trail which runs from Nelson all the way to Kaiteriteri. Let’s not forget the Mountain Bike Park in Kaiteriteri which is nothing short of a mountain biker’s heaven. You can play golf on one of the spectacular golf courses in New Zealand, The Motueka Golf Club is an 18-hole course with fairways of manicured gardens and trees. Alternatively, try the 9-hole Tasman Golf Club atop the Kina Cliffs with stunning ocean views. For the more adventurous souls, you can also go canyoning in the Abel Tasman or go skydiving over our beautiful region. I’m just scratching the surface here, I haven’t even mentioned the art culture, the good fishing spots, the Sunday Market or even the live music scene. There are tons of hidden bays to discover, reserves and parks to let the kids roam and cafes to hang out with friends and enjoy delicious food. Yes, all this and more… We’re even getting a big library and a pool complex very soon.
Something for everyone
When it comes to real estate, there really is something for everyone. From big estates to little kiwi baches, character villas and everything else in between, we’re really spoiled for choice.
Want a low-maintenance executive home close to shops and school? Opt for a house in one of the new subdivisions in Motueka. Country-living is what rocks your boat? Upper Moutere might be just right for you. Fancy a million dollar lifestyle block with sea views? Mahana hills or Kina cliffs might be the right place to start looking. Prefer a low-key 1/4 acre not too far from town? Look at Riwaka. Wanna be a short stroll from the beach? Choose Kaiteriteri if you don’t mind the 20 min drive to town or choose Ruby Bay/Mapua if you’d rather be closer to the city. For off-the-grid organic living close to the sea, Marahau is the place you wanna be.
This is, of course, very stereotyped. The variety of properties in the area is so much richer than that.
In short
To sum it all up, it is a beautiful area which is a short drive from a stunning National park on one side and a city on the other. The weather is fantastic and the people are awesome. There is plenty to do and a wide variety of properties to chose from for the lifestyle you chose to live. I could go on for ever about how it is pure bliss to be living in the Motueka area, but you really need to find out for yourself… If you are thinking of moving over this way, get in touch I’ll be delighted to help!
Natacha Debas - Licensed Real Estate Salesperson REAA 2008 