The Motueka River in New Zealand's Nelson-Tasman region offers two distinct whitewater paddling sections. The upper section, running from McCleans Reserve to Baton Bridge, is rated Grade 2+ and is monitored via the Motueka at Woodstock flow gauge. The lower section, from Bluegums to Motueka Bridge, is rated Grade 2 and is monitored via the Motueka at Woodmen's Bend gauge. The river contains a range of water types including long riffles, glides, rapids, and deep pools.

Flow management is an important safety consideration. The Nelson Kayak Club recommends that intermediate paddlers not proceed on the Motueka if flows exceed 100 cumecs, and that beginners avoid the river above 70 cumecs. For the upper McLeans to Woodstock section specifically, 100 cumecs and falling, or 80 cumecs and a slowly rising river with no major rain event, are cited as the practical upper limits for intermediate paddlers. Flow information can be obtained through the Tasman District Council flow phone at 03 543 8555, or via the TDC online river flow monitoring system.

The river flows through the Tasman District and is well known as a brown trout fishery, which means anglers are frequently present on the water. Paddlers should be aware of this shared use. The surrounding landscape includes access to Kahurangi National Park and is in proximity to Abel Tasman National Park. Several road-accessible put-in and take-out points exist along the river corridor, including at Tapawera Bridge off SH61 and various Valley Road access points, though many of these are primarily documented for fishing access.