You are literally spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches in and around Nelson New Zealand. As owners of Century Park, the finest accommodation Nelson NZ has, we think it's only fair that 'New Zealand's Sunniest Spot' should offer up a smorgasbord of beaches for your pleasure. This isn't called 'Sunny Nelson' for no reason.
White sands and gentle waves make this a mecca for Kiwi families on summer holidays. Safe for swimming and popular with walkers, joggers and sun-seekers, with the back beach for kite-boarders and dog walking. A statue of Abel Tasman, the first European explorer to visit New Zealand (1642), overlooks the beach. There are also some great motels in Tahunanui, Nelson.
Two attractive and more dramatic beaches to the north of the city. Head out on SH6 and take the Glen turn-off for the short drive to the Boulder Bank and the Glen. Further on is the Cable Bay turnoff, then it’s 8km to this historic and picturesque beach with its own café. Take a wander up the walkway or walk the whole 5.5km track that links the two beaches - best to arrange a pick up at the other end, details in the Walk Nelson booklet which is in Reception.
There are two areas on Kaiteriteri Beach reserved for swimming or other passive activities and one in the middle of the Kerr Bay beach at Lake Rotoiti during the summer months. There are no patrolled beaches, so swimmers should take extra care to consider their safety before setting out.
Kaiteriteri Beach is approximately 15 minutes from Motueka. A secluded location with three unforgettable beaches combining clean, sparkling gold sand and calm blue waters. As you can imagine, water activities are popular here – spend the day swimming, kayaking and boating, then check out the waterfront café’s. Kaiteriteri is a main departure point for launch services into the Abel Tasman National Park.
Peaceful and welcoming - at the southern gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. It’s a convenient stepping-off point to this beautiful coastal park, with golden sands, clear water, native forest and abundant wildlife. A licensed restaurant sits at the hub of this colourful diverse community.
North Street, Motueka. There are two areas on Kaiteriteri Beach reserved for swimming or other passive activities and one in the middle of the Kerr Bay beach at Lake Rotoiti during the summer months. There are no patrolled beaches, so swimmers should take extra care to consider their safety before setting out.
A 15 minute drive from Richmond, you will find this beautiful 13km stretch of beach, Rabbit Island. A popular spot for all year round for relaxation, great for a picnic.
Rabbit Island is the largest of a group of sandy islands lying in the Waimea Estuary at the head of Tasman Bay. Covered in pine plantations owned by the Tasman District Council and set up as a public reserve. You will find barbecues, dressing sheds and toilets provided. This is the largest picnic area in the district, a great place to hold any get together.
The public reserves are only open for use during daylight hours and may be closed during times of high fire risk.
The perimeter road is very popular for walking groups and ideal for joggers. The tidal waters provide for a variety of sea birds, including the white heron and royal spoonbill as well as many other wading birds which can also be seen feeding as the tide moves in and out.
Grossi Point, Tahi Street, Mapua
Pinehill Reserve
Stafford Drive, Ruby Bay
McKee Domain, SH 60, Ruby Bay
Kina Recreation Reserve, Cliff Road, Tasman
Tapu Bay Reserve, Tapu Place, Stephens Bay
Stephens Bay Reserve, Anawera Crescent, Stephens Bay
Alex Ryder Reserve (Little Kaiteriteri) Rowling Road, Little Kaiteriteri
Breaker Bay, Breaker Bay, Kaiteriteri
Ligar Bay Reserve, Ligar Bay, Golden Bay
Tata Beach Reserve, Tata Beach, Golden Bay
Patons Rock Reserve, Patons Rock, Golden Bay
Pohara Esplanade, Selwyn Street, Pohara
Miles Reserve, Parapara Bishops Road, Parapara, Golden Bay
Kings Reserve, Parapara Esplanade, Golden Bay
Tomatea Point, Pakawau Beach Road, Golden Bay
Wharariki Beach, Puponga Road, Golden Bay
Rangihaeata Esplanade, Rangihaeata Road, Golden Bay
Cornwall Place Reserve, Tata Beach, Golden Bay
