What is "tapawera"

Tapawera is a small town in New Zealand's South Island. It is located 30 kilometres southwest of Nelson by the banks of the Motueka River. The population including the surrounding area was 405 in the 2006 Census, an increase of 21 from 2001. The town is a gateway to the Kahurangi National Park.

It contains a school (Tapawera Area School), local supermarket ( 4 Square), a campground, a few cafes and a garage.

The geographic centre of New Zealand is located close to Tapawera, in the nearby Spooner Hills.