 Mapua is a seaside village located 38 km west of Nelson on Highway 60 on route to
Golden
Bay
and the
Abel
Tasman
National Park
. It is ideally located for people who want to explore the region. The village borders the Mapua Inlet which provides an entry point for boats into the Waimea Estuary. The inlet merges into
Tasman
Bay
just past Rabbit island. |
On the inlet is Mapua Wharf, once a working wharf where apples and pears were shipped for export, it is now a wonderful place to watch the water and boats and enjoy a meal at Flax Restaurant where you can sample some of the best food of the region, located in the old wharf building, buy smoked fish or check out the art galleries and craft shops nearby.
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Mapua is now home to about 1500 people most of whom live here permanently on the hillsides above the estuary and on the foreshore around the opening to
Tasman
Bay
. The village, just down the road from the wharf, features more shops and galleries and an opportunity to explore a small part of kiwi culture at work and play.
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There are a number of wonderful walks around the village and out along the inlet to
Ruby
Bay
on the
Tasman
Bay
foreshore. There is also a developing walkway around the estuary where you can watch the ebb and flow of the tide and the visual magic this creates as well as the multiple bird species enjoying the environment of the estuary.
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Mapua is a 30 minute drive from the centre of Nelson and 15 minutes from the town of Richmond to the north east and 15 minutes from Motueka to the west It is another 30 minutes west to Kaiteriteri and Marahua-the start of the Abel Tasman Track.
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The Nelson region is rich in talented artsits and artisans. Many of the local artists also run open studios for viewing their work. Amongst them is painter Sally Burton, whose work formed the basis of the this website as well as featuring on the walls of Komako Cottage itself. Ceramic work by Christine Boswijk also features at Komako and her workshop is visable across the estuary from the cottage. Close by are other ceramic artists Daryll Robertson, Steve Fullmer and Michael Perry. The Nelson Regional Guidebook features maps that show you how to access these studios and many more around the region. Nelson has attracted artists for many years because of the quality and quantity of the light-Nelson ahs the highest sunshine hours in
New Zealand
. Ceramic artists are also attracted to the quality of the clay available in the region.
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There are multiple vineyards with cellar door sales, olive oil production, apples, pears, kiwi fruit, berries, hop gardens as well as boutique breweries. The place is a wonderful source of fresh produce as well as smoked fish available form the wharf.
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The Nelson Tasman area is also famous as an adventure playground. Within an hour there are three national parks- Abel Tasman, with a beautiful coastal walking track and beaches with golden sands great for kayaking and swimming.
Nelson
Lakes
National Park
with alpine lakes and arrange of alpine activities as well as
Kahurangi
National Park
with great tramping, mountain biking and rafting opportunities.
For more information on the region go to www.nelsonnz.com the website of the regional tourism organisation. |
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