Visit Māpua Wharf!
Come visit us and enjoy our range of shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafés.
Situated by the stunning Waimea Estuary, just a short drive from Nelson, Richmond and Motueka, Māpua Wharf is the premier destination for shopping, eating and other activities on beautiful Māpua Wharf.
About Māpua Wharf
At the mouth of the vast Waimea Estuary the Māpua Wharf is home to a vibrant collection of restaurants, cafe's, galleries, stores and attractions. Eat fish and chips on the wharf, fish off the wharf with your family or browse amongst the unique stores showcasing local artisans and quality goods.
In the summer wharf jumping and riding the tide are popular and so is enjoying a glass of something cold and a great meal while watching the tide come in and out.
Māpua means abundance and the rich waters of the Waimea Estuary have attracted settlers from early Maori through to the bustling community that has grown up around the Māpua Wharf today. The photo museum operated at the wharf by the Māpua Boat Club records this history and events that have shaped the growth of the wharf.
A short 25 minute drive from Nelson, the Māpua Wharf makes a great day out with friends and family. The waterfront park includes an amphitheatre for public concerts and the ferry service connects Rabbit Island with the Māpua Wharf as part of the Great Taste Trail cycleway.
Mapua Māpua - wish you were here
Getting to Māpua Wharf
The vibrant Māpua Wharf is an easy 30 minute drive from Nelson along the Coastal Highway, or a short 15 minute drive from Motueka.
From Nelson and Richmond
Driving from Nelson follow State Highway 6 along the Estuary and through Richmond until you reach the roundabout to turn right onto State Highway 60, The Coastal Highway. Follow the Coastal Highway for 15 minutes and turn right at the sign for Māpua. Turn right again at the sign for Māpua and follow this road to the end to reach the Māpua Wharf.
From Motueka
Travel along State Highway 60 crossing the estuary then leave the highway at the first left hand turn which is signposted Tasman. Take the scenic old coastal highway route which leads along the coast and through the coastal settlement of Ruby Bay. Leave the highway at the left hand turn signposted Māpua and follow this road to the end to reach the Māpua Wharf.