This is a very popular spot when the weather is good. On one side you have a long sandy beach and on the other you have a succession of play areas for kids; from the big slide to trampolining, a water park and go karts. There is also a cafe/diner for exhausted parents and plenty of green spaces including tennis courts nearby. It gets very busy at times but access is facilitated by an adequate car park and the local taxis are usually around.
Photos (39)
Tahunanui Beach Playground
41°16'46. 173°14'57.0"E, State Highway 2
Why these ages?
Huge zoned destination play with dedicated preschool area, iconic whale, rocktopus, skate ramp and basket ball courts. Description explicitly warns 'main carpark on Rocks Road gets busy...keep an eye on any child prone to wandering'. Beach is right there and skate ramp on site. Preschool zone is real but perimeter risks are unmitigated.
Access notes
Description explicitly says an accessible entrance and firm paths link the zones for wheelchairs, buggies and walkers, with a dedicated wheelchair swing, a wheelchair accessible carousel, and sensory and musical play panels, plus a Mobi Mat giving a firm path across the sand. A visitor review independently confirms the wheelchair swing.
The week ahead
Daytime high in °C · % = chance of rain · data from yr.no
Equipment
A concrete whale has watched over the sand here since the 1960s, missing nothing as generations of Nelson kids have grown up climbing through its open mouth. Locals call this corner of Tahunanui Beach Reserve arguably the city's biggest playground, a full day out with sand, surf and play equipment within steps of each other.
Equipment
Access and Inclusion
History and Cultural
Practical Info
Getting there
Directions in Google MapsVisits
Spot a problem?
Spotted broken gear, a hazard, or something that needs a fix? Let Nelson City know. They look after this park.
