Tāhunanui
Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park
The closest beach to the Nelson city centre, Tāhunanui, is a recreational paradise with a 1.75km stretch of sand. A beautiful, safe, and family-friendly beach, Tāhunanui borders the glistening waters of Tasman Bay, with a range of iconic landmarks visible just off the waterfront.
Tāhunanui Beach was referred to as 'The Sands' until a competition was held in 1902 to suggest a name. The prize was one Guinea. 442 suggestions were made, and the Māori name Tāhunanui was selected, which means 'sea beach' or 'sand hill’.
Pronunciation guide: (Tar-who-nah-new-e)
Just above the rockpools is a pier extending into the bay, where keen fisherman flock at all times of the year to cast their line and reel in a catch. Tasman Bay thrives with marine life, including snapper, kahawai, blue cod and kingfish, and the Tāhunanui waterfront is often where stingrays, dolphins and orca are spotted playing amongst the gentle waves.
People of all ages will have endless hours of fun indulging in everything the beach reserve has to offer, with a hydro slide, BMX track, model railway, go-kart track, SUP and kayak rental, mini golf course, zoo, playground, skatepark, roller skating rink, laser tag course, trampoline park, sack slide, beach volleyball court and bumper boat park just a few steps away from the sand dunes.
Dogs are only permitted on Back Beach, the western end of Tāhunanui. A favourite local must-do, your pup is bound to have a pawsome time.
Hot tip: Grab a morning coffee from Raglan Roast before your beach walk. Or take your pup down to Sprig & Fern Tāhuna.
Experience a magical family getaway at Tāhunanui Beach.
Find things to do and places to stay in Tāhunanui.
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