MOTUEKA
Motueka is one of those places that
have living environment right. The town is not so big that resources
are stretched, but yet has all of the essential services. Motueka is
the place for adventure; the town is also the gateway to the Tasman
National Park.
Motueka is protected by the ‘Takaka
Hill’ from the usually cold and wet weather from the NZ west coast,
and subsequently enjoys warm traditional summers and cool winters.
Motueka has a dry climate, and as with the whole of the Tasman Region
a desirable place to live.
The name Motueka
comes from the Maori language, and means Weka Island the weka being a
small bird of the rail family
The surrounding
district has a number of orchards, as well as growing a variety of
specialised crops such as hops, and formerly serving as the main
centre of tobacco growing in New Zealand. Both WD and Ho Wills and
Rothmans cultivated tobacco in the region. There is a garden devoted
to a 50 year employee from the WD and H O Wills Company.
The Motueka
Museum presents a good summary of that era.
The hotels in
Motueka are located in the centre of town are traditional for the
period. The
War Memorials are located by the Memorial Hall.
The Churches are
also located near the town centre.
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A number of
small vineyards have developed in recent years, one (Neudorf) gaining
an international reputation.
Nearby beaches
(such as Kaiteriteri Beach and Marahau) are very popular with
holidaymakers, and the proximity of the local airport determines a
visitor will observe skydivers often doing jumps and light aircraft
and micro lights are buzzing above.
Including a
visit to the Tasman National Park allow three days to enjoy delights
of Motueka.
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