One of the South Island's best brown trout rivers, the Motueka flows through a wide valley of hop fields and apple orchards before reaching the sea at Motueka. The upper river is clear and fast, the lower reaches slower and more pastoral. Fly fishing is the main draw for serious anglers — the river holds good populations of both brown and rainbow trout.
Swimming and picnicking along the riverbanks is popular in summer. The lower valley is also the start of the Motueka River cycling section of the Great Taste Trail. Fishing licences are required and available from the local sporting goods shop in Motueka.