Exploring Tāhunanui Beach
Tāhunanui Beach is located at the southern end of Nelson, positioned between central Nelson and the airport, along the edge of Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere. With a shallow beach and safe swimming conditions, ideal for families, the north-facing beach is the most popular and accessible beach in the region. The beach forms part of a coastal reserve and is backed by dunes and grassy parkland.
Beach Activities
Tāhunanui Beach is a hub of activity, especially during the summer months and on sunny weekends. Its shallow gradient and minimal wave action make it a favourite for safe swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and kite surfing.
While it is occasionally used by beginner surfers during small swells, the beach is more renowned for family-friendly activities and beach sports like volleyball, cricket, and frisbee. The adjacent Tāhunanui Recreation Reserve has playgrounds, a hydroslide, a skating rink, and picnic areas.
There are also walking tracks, a wildlife reserve nearby (home to shorebirds and estuarine species), and a surf lifesaving club that patrols the beach during peak season. Nearby are cafes, fish and chips and accommodation options.
How to Get There
Reaching Tāhunanui Beach is straightforward. It is signposted with parking available just off State Highway 6, a few minutes south of central Nelsom.
Other things to do around Belson include walks around Queens Gardens, the Maitai River and Botanical Hill.
