Upper Moutere: Wine, Cycling Routes and History

Upper Moutere is a small rural community in the gently rolling Moutere Hills. From some spots, there are views of Mt Arthur. Trails, cycling tours, wine and local history give your stay different highlights: you can experience the landscape outdoors, take your time over tastings or discover historic places.

Exploring on Foot and by Bike

One specific route for getting around on foot or by bike is the shared concrete and gravel path. It is 1,300 metres long, was completed in October 2025 and runs alongside Moutere Highway. The path connects the village with the Moutere Hills Community Centre and the sports fields. Its set length makes it a manageable section to plan into your day; it also passes clearly identified local destinations.

Cycling tours through vineyards, apple orchards and hop gardens are also offered in Upper Moutere. They pass over gently rolling terrain and through flat valleys. More challenging climbs lead up from Mapua or Motueka. When planning your ride, the contrast between these landscapes and the steeper climbs is a useful point of reference: cycling in the area covers more than one type of terrain.

Wine, Tastings and Local Produce

At its vineyard, Neudorf offers a bookable experience featuring a glass of Neudorf wine and picnic baskets with a selection of local produce. Another option there is a seated tasting of organic single-vineyard Moutere wines. The influence of terroir, along with viticulture and winemaking methods, is explained during the tasting. The two experiences have different focuses: one includes a glass of wine and a picnic basket, while the other centres on the wines and how they are made.

Moutere Hills Vineyard also pairs wine and food: it offers artisan wines made from its own grapes and homemade dishes prepared with local ingredients by award-winning chefs. Food offerings and business details may change, so check the latest information before planning a visit. This helps you plan around what you would like to experience there.

The Old Post Office Country Store sells Moutere Gold preserves made locally; the store also stocks fresh local pastries and bread. The range may change. If you are looking for a particular product, check the current selection before your visit. For visitors interested in regional produce, the store complements the vineyard and tasting experiences with bread, pastries and preserves.

Local History and Historic Places

The Moutere Inn was established in 1850 and is New Zealand’s oldest pub still operating in its original building. This makes it a notable historic landmark in Upper Moutere. St Paul's Church (Lutheran) is listed as a Category 2 Historic Place. It is private and not open to the public; bear this restriction in mind when planning your visit.

When looking for hotels in Upper Moutere, consider which of these aspects you would like to shape your stay: cycling and trails, wine and regional produce, or local history.

Discover more destinations: Marahau, Owen River, Wakefield, Anatori, Kikiwa, Murchison, Saint Arnaud, Mapua.

For the broader travel overview: Tasman District.