At the mouth of the vast Waimea Estuary the Mapua Wharf is home to a vibrant collection of restaurants, cafe's, galleries, stores and attractions. Eat fish and chips on the wharf, visit the aquarium, fish off the wharf with your family or browse amongst the unique stores showcasing local artisans and quality goods.
In the summer wharf jumping and riding the tide are popular and so is enjoying a glass of something cold and a great meal while watching the tide come in and out.
Mapua means abundance and the rich waters of the Waimea Estuary have attracted settlers from early Maori through to the bustling community that has grown up around the Mapua Wharf today. The photo museum operated at the wharf by the Mapua Boat Club records this history and events that have shaped the growth of the wharf.
A short 25 minute drive from Nelson, the Mapua Wharf makes a great day out with friends and family. The new waterfront park currently under development includes a waterfront amphitheatre for public concerts and the national cycleway project is bringing a new ferry service to connect the Rabbit Island Cycleway with the Mapua Wharf this coming summer.
Reviews
Another wharfy fishing spot - again plenty of cafes etc around for a coffee break, and a strong tidal pull here so maybe go for high tide. There is no commercial activity here apart from the bike ferry, but lots of sailing boats moored in the river mouth. If it’s warm you can entertain yourself between reeling in the fish by jumping off the wharf.
