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. 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.