Riverside Community NZ
About
Riverside Community is New Zealand's oldest intentional community, founded by Christian Pacifists in 1941 in the Lower Moutere Valley near Motueka. Its charitable trust, established in 1953, runs workshops in crafts, agriculture and horticulture, and operates the Riverside Cultural Centre, a hire venue for weddings and events. The trust also offers a weekly koha-based community lunch and sells fresh milk through Riverside Milk.
Reviews
Been through its ups & downs at this beautiful rural location. Recently got itself sorted and opens 4 days a week. Visited as a group for morning coffee. Food offerings limited but very good home baking and excellent coffee.
Peter P. · May 2026 · via Google
I had a lively and lovely time at the riverside festival! First time I made a visit to this place. …comment is a response to accidental one star review left by my pocket! Unintentional.
miriam m. · April 2026 · via Google
This is a special place. The cafe here is totally sublime, the food is wonderful, warm service and as we visited on a Friday evening there was a singalong afterwards. ❤️
kelly a. · February 2026 · via Google
Beautiful, real, authentic community! We loved the Hostel, it's quiet and had a lot of warm character and charm.. fireplace and an outdoor piano. Great kitchen facilities, very clean and cozy! The rooms are just what you need and well priced. The Cafe is great too, healthy food and very good matcha latte and Turmeric latte... everyone is very kind and loving.
Athena V. · August 2025 · via Google
Facilities were okay for the time I was there but I think locals looked unhappy.
Karagiozis · April 2025 · via Google
Services
- Workshops and learning opportunities in crafts, agriculture and horticulture
- Riverside Cultural Centre venue hire for weddings and events
- Weekly classes (yoga, drama and community groups)
- Riverside Community Lunch (weekly koha-based vegetarian lunch)
- Riverside Milk raw milk sales
- Riverside Cafe
- Riverside Workshop (mechanical/engineering)
- Joinery