Māpua township is the perfect mix of classic kiwiana, charming boutique shops and quality restaurants.
Just 30 minutes from Nelson City, the charming seaside villages of Māpua & Ruby Coast are increasingly becoming favourite holiday spots for tourists and locals alike. With a lively cluster of restaurants, art galleries, wine bars and a craft brewery, Māpua is the perfect place to relax and unwind for a long weekend away.
Hire a bike and cycle Tasman's Great Taste Trail, which stretches from central Nelson through to Motueka. Just offshore, Rabbit Island offers a treat for mountain bikers with a network of trails just waiting to be explored. A little ferry departs Māpua Wharf regularly for the Island, with room for passengers and their bikes.
The Wharf is a hot spot for fishing, swimming and wharf jumping, but it is only the tip of the iceberg, and you’ll want to get out and explore the wider Māpua and Ruby Coast area.
Nearby on the Coastal Highway, The Playhouse Café & Theatre is a great place to spend the evening, with delicious local fare and a full entertainment calendar. During the day, a visit to Jester House is a must, where you can feed the eels, explore the artful garden, play giant chess and even stay in accommodation shaped like a boot!
If you're visiting at Easter, be sure to check out the annual Easter Sunday Fair. People arrive from all over to enjoy this event, making it the biggest fair in the Nelson Tasman region.
