Tahunanui Beach did not exist when Nelson was settled by Europeans. What is now the beach was once mudflat near the edge of the main channel draining the Waimea Inlet. It has taken a mere 100 years for Tahunanui Beach to build, with sands from Tasman Bay. Such is the nature of beaches and coastal dunes – they change with the movements of wind and sea, and are transitory formations.
Head down to the back beach for a spot of surf casting to catch a snapper or two. Park at the westerly end of the Tahuna Beach car park and its not far to walk to the water’s edge. The tide can be strong here but at low tide you can cast out into the middle of the channel, just watch out for dog walkers and kite surfers.