Mapua

Mapua is a small village to the west of Nelson approx 25 minutes drive away its a great  and half way stop if your heading to the The Abel Tasman. Mapua wharf was used to ship out all the Apples from the nearby orchards in the Tasman area today the thriving wharf and commercial area, have some great eateries and the old storage rooms are used as shops for selling arts and crafts and galleries. There is even a small Aquarium, with touch pools for the kids.
You can wander along the coastline,  jump off the wharf and go for a swim or simply enjoy the estuary.  Enjoy fish and chips on the beach or sit down to a delicious meal,  have a glass of wine overlooking the sea a perfect way to spend a lunch hour.  Mapua has grown in popularity for visitors both local and international, its worth a stop if your heading further north.

Mapua also hosts a large fair and market which is held every year on Easter Sunday. The market brings locals from all around the region to sell their wares, as well as there being a fun day out for the family. Up to 30,000 people visit the town on this day to enjoy rides, stalls, and other attractions.