TAPAWERA Tapawera is a very small town that met our ‘check this out’ criteria. The town is very small and is located circa 30 kms from the state highway 6 junction. If you are travelling between Motueka and Murchison you will pass through Tapawera. The geographic centre of New Zealand is located close to Tapawera, in the nearby Spooner Hills. Clearly a visit to Tapawera confirms this is a proud community. All of the items on our checklist are located on the highway. The Museum is a delight and gives some interesting detail on Tapawera's efforts to retain the railway back in 1951. The Church is a well kept building. The Hotel is located in the centre of the township and the War Memorial by the town’s swimming pool. Be sure to check out that museum.