What it is
Tāhunanui, a name usually translated as "large sandbank", lies in the suburb of the same name south-west of the city centre, between Port Nelson and Nelson Airport. The beach has a long, shallow slope, and the water of Tasman Bay is usually calm and warmed by the sun, which makes it popular with families and swimmers in summer.
Behind the sand lies the Tāhunanui recreation reserve, with lawns, picnic areas, playgrounds and other leisure facilities, and there are views across Tasman Bay to the ranges on its western side. The small island reserve of Oyster Island lies just offshore.
Getting there by bus
Route 4 (The Brook - Airport) stops on Beach Road at Beach Road at Park (stop 4304) and Beach Road No51 (stop 4207), about 490 to 510 metres from the beach, roughly a six-minute walk.
Route 2 (Richmond - Nelson via Rocks Road) and route 4 also serve the Tahunanui Interchange (stops 2225 and 2108), about 670 to 690 metres away, and route 2 stops at Rocks Road at Tahunanui Beach (stop 2226), about 700 metres away at the northern end of the beach.
