On the Motueka Waterfront Walk see the Raumanuke Scenic Reserve, it's an internationally renowned site for migrant shorebirds.

Thousands of seabirds roost and breed on the sand spit here.

Stretching for 4 km along the shores of the Motueka Inlet, the Motueka Waterfront Walk offers a delightful blend of coastal scenery and easy accessibility. Perfect for a family outing, a solo stroll, or a leisurely cycle.

The track goes past sandy beaches, native bush pockets, and historic sites like the tidal pool. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife, from graceful swans to playful oystercatchers. 

The wreck just off the beach is wonderful to check out at low tide.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Motueka, South Island NZ
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Time needed: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Difficulty: Very Easy
  • Wheelchair Access: Yes
  • Route: One Way
  • Elevation: Flat
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: Yes
  • Dogs: Leash only
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

Raumanuke Scenic Reserve is internationally renowned site for migrant shorebirds. Thousands of seabirds roost and breed on the sand spit. At the end of the walk, on corner of Staples and Thorp Rd, pull in for some fresh fruit and vegetables. You have to try the salt water pool at the start of the walk too.

Track Quality

Excellent walking from concrete foot path to a little stretch of sand.

Water

Top up with water at the start in the Domain. The toilets are at the start and at the end of the Motueka Waterfront walk

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

You are only minutes from Motueka shopping center. Motueka has a fantastic shopping center, no shortage of locally grown fresh fruit and veges.

Map Location

Points of interest along the walk​

Motueka Domain, Over night camping
Motueka Salt Water Pool

Start of the Motueka Waterfront walk

The Motueka Domain is a great place to stop for the night as you can see from the image above. Drinking water and toilets are there for a small fee.

You will also find a real saltwater pool for free. The water surges into the pool at high tide plus the Motueka council changes the water, I think it was every other day?

Motueka Water Front Walk

The old wharf

The old shipwreck out in the bay is a great piece of history. If you walk onto the old wharf, there is enough information to boggle the brain with plenty of old photos to match.

Raumanuke Scenic Reserve Car park
Raumanuke Scenic Reserve

Raumanuke Scenic Reserve

1 hour 30 minutes. There is a toilet at the Raumanuke Scenic Reserve car park, but no water. From here you can either walk out to the sand spit or go home. If you decide to walk the Raumanuke Scenic Reserve sand spit, please watch out for the sea birds.

The summer is the breeding time for the birds. Try and keep at least 30m from the birds or walk down on the low tide mark.

See more of my walks in Motueka