Discover Mapua: Great Taste Trail and Wharf

Mapua brings together the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail with a historic wharf, art and experiences by the water. At Māpua Wharf, maritime history, a gallery, shops and dining take centre stage; a ferry across the Māpua Inlet is also part of the town’s character. This mix offers different ways to experience Mapua: a route on foot or by bike, insights into the wharf’s history and seasonal activities by the water.

Trail and ferry crossing

The coastal section of the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail between Richmond and Māpua is 15 kilometres long. The section between Māpua and Motueka is 33 kilometres long, 18 kilometres longer. This lets you compare two specific distances when planning your route; the trail can be explored on foot or by bike in Mapua.

The ferry across the Māpua Inlet connects Rabbit Island and Māpua Wharf. The crossing is 200 metres long and takes about seven minutes. The ferry is designed specifically for cyclists and pedestrians. It runs from late September to late May; seasonal dates may change, so check them before you travel.

Maritime history at Māpua Wharf

The Port Māpua Maritime Museum is located in the original Māpua Wharf building. The wharf is one of New Zealand’s few surviving historic working wharves. The museum displays photographs, interactive video presentations and maritime memorabilia about the wharf’s history. Its exhibits cover the role of early Māori, regional trading and passenger ships and their cargo, as well as lighthouses, wharves, jetties and landing places in the district.

These themes connect the wharf’s history with regional shipping and the places where boats came ashore. A photography museum at Māpua Wharf also documents the history and events that shaped the wharf’s growth.

Art, crafts and discoveries

The Coolstore Gallery at Māpua Wharf presents a curated collection of New Zealand art and design. More than 100 artists are represented, including painters, sculptors, jewellers and carvers. The collection brings together a range of artistic and craft perspectives. Shops at the wharf showcase work by local craftspeople and high-quality goods.

At Rare Creations in Mapua, an interactive area lets visitors bring toys to life by pressing buttons, turning handles and operating knobs. The mechanical features make the exhibit an exploration where visitors can set things in motion themselves.

Activities, dining and seasonal experiences

Visitors can enjoy fish and chips at Māpua Wharf. Golden Bear Brewing Co. at the historic wharf is a craft brewery and restaurant serving award-winning beers and a Los Angeles-inspired Mexican menu. Menus and awards may change. At Easter, the Mapua Easter Fair features local crafts, art, and artisan food and drinks.

Swimming, fishing and jumping off the wharf are popular activities, especially in summer. The waterfront park at Māpua Wharf has an amphitheatre for public concerts. There are also areas at the wharf reserved exclusively for pedestrians. Near Mapua, Playhouse Café & Theatre offers live entertainment, including live bands, stand-up comedy and theatre performances.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Upper Moutere, Mahana, Marahau, Murchison, Ngatimoti, Owen River, Nelson Lakes National Park, Anatori

For the broader travel overview: Tasman District.