Backpacker Hostels in Motueka, New Zealand

On the way to small hippie town of Motueka, you will wind your way through the mountains past beautiful views of the hills and valley below. Roadside stands selling local honey and free range eggs are scattered along the winding path and on a sunny day you can stop for watermelon, apples, or apricots for a picnic in the hills. Most tourists stop in Nelson and never venture over the hill to reach Motueka or the small towns beyond, so this area remains quiet and natural. You can take a bus from Nelson to Motueka or it is a forty-five-minute drive over the hill.

The town is small but has a few great cafes with a particular focus on healthy options. With so much local produce in the surrounding areas, the town has a very natural, earthy feel. For a small town in the hills, there is a great variety of art galleries, local cafes, and friendly shops to visit. There are a few hostel options in Motueka where you will find accommodating hosts and other adventurous travelers. Many Motueka hostels are geared toward hikers and backpackers on their way to the Able Tasman National Park, so the hostels and information centers in town can give you good advice about hikes and camping before you venture into nature. Able Tasman National Park is beautiful and offers many options for day walks and multi-day hikes through the hills or along the coast.

If you continue driving and hour and a half further, past more fruit stands and mountain views, you will find gorgeous gold sand beaches near Takaka. Motueka is a good stop between Nelson and Takaka to take a break from the nauseating roads, and since Motueka is slightly larger than any of the towns beyond, it is a good place to buy groceries and other essentials before venturing onward. Motueka is a fun, small town with an earthy vibe that will appeal to travelers who like art, healthy local food, and exploring the outdoors.