Motueka Saltwater bath guide

The CJ way Guide to Motueka Salt WaterBaths

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 AT A GLANCE 

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Community built saltwater bath (which looks like an infinity pool at high tide) 

Located in Motueka

1 minute walk from carpark

Easy walk from carpark

Free

Best time to visit: high tide 

Jandals are fine! 

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 WHERE IS THIS EXACTLY? 

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• Co-ordinates of car park: (-41.1349078, 173.0235291)

• The car park is literally at the salt water baths so you are already right there (so very handy for those early morning sunrise missions!) 

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 best time to visit? 

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• We think the best time to visit is high tide as the pool meets the ocean; creating an epic infinity pool and of course a great  jumping opportunity to go from pool to ocean.

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 cj travel tips 

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• Try and time your visit for a day where high tide is above 4m as the pool fills at this height and it looks like it’s part of the ocean.

• You can camp in the car park one minute from here if you are certified self contained (but be aware it gets very busy [it's an awesome spot!] and you usually need to have parked up by lunchtime to get a spot!). 

• If you visit at sunrise (like we did) and manage to get a still day, you will have the best chance for a perfect reflection!

• The baths were actually restored by locals (and are maintained by them too), so make sure you stop for a minute to appreciate this :)

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 cj photography tips 

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• We had to use the lower bench and higher railing to set our tripod up. It was essential for a sharp shot in low light conditions (sunrise).

• Arrive early to find a good composition as it is surprisingly, quite a small pool and it can get busy (particularly during the day)!

• If you are using a polarising filter, experiment with what you like best. For reflections we prefer to have the glare in the water especially when colourful clouds are reflecting.

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 what we found useful to pack 

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​In addition to the usuals (camera gear, suitable clothing, water and food, first aid, etc. we found the following items useful for

following items useful for Motueka Salt Water Baths:

• A floaty piece of clothing can look lovely here, especially if you're looking to get a reflective shot; and

• Togs/towel if going for a swim.