Paddling near Motueka, Tasman

Motueka sits in the Tasman region at the northern tip of the South Island, flanked by the Abel Tasman National Park and Tasman Bay. The area is regarded as one of New Zealand's premier sea kayaking destinations, with the park's sheltered waters, beaches, bays, and tidal inlets drawing paddlers from across the country and overseas. The Motueka River adds a whitewater dimension close to town, and Tasman Bay hosts established ocean paddling events including surfski, OC1, OC2, and SUP racing.