Tahunanui Beach & Estuary Walk
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Tahunanui Beach & Estuary Walk

Walk Nelson's beloved golden sand beach — one of the top beaches in New Zealand — and the adjacent estuary, a haven for migratory wading birds.

  1. 1

    Tahunanui Beach Entrance

    Tahunanui Beach stretches for 2 km at the edge of Nelson city — its sheltered position and gentle slope make it one of NZ's most family-friendly beaches.

  2. 2

    Golden Sand Beach Walk

    The wide golden sand beach is safe for swimming most of the year — the calm Tasman Bay waters and mountain backdrop make this a quintessential NZ beach scene.

  3. 3

    Whakatu (Nelson) Aerodrome Estuary

    The tidal estuary behind the beach is a feeding ground for bar-tailed godwits, royal spoonbills, and dozens of other migratory and resident wading birds.

  4. 4

    Estuary Boardwalk

    A wooden boardwalk crosses the estuary margins past mangrove groves — Nelson's estuary mangroves are the southernmost in New Zealand.

  5. 5

    Rocks Road Coastal Path

    The coastal path along Rocks Road connects Tahunanui to the city, hugging the shoreline past rock pools and views of Tasman Bay's sparkling waters.

  6. 6

    Tahunanui Holiday Park

    The iconic holiday park behind the beach has been a Nelson institution for generations — its presence anchors a stretch of coast beloved by Nelson families.

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