Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park and Motel – making memories since 1926
If happy summer memories were a currency, the Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park would be a gold mine.
Can you imagine all the good times family and friends have enjoyed at this stunning location over the years?
Founded in 1926 it is one of the oldest and most established of its kind in New Zealand. Every year it is like a magnet for summer holidaymakers and there’s a lot more on offer than you may think.
Covering 54 acres of parkland with 1km of shorefront that has been available for over nine decades for holidaymakers to enjoy, its max capacity is 2500 making it one of the largest in New Zealand.
Today Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park offers accommodation that suits every holidaymaker’s and traveller’s budget – from unpowered campsites to cosy cabins to modern, fully selfcontained motel units. It’s also home to 130 permanent residents, and there’s a long waiting list to get in.
It’s not a motor camp – it’s a Holiday Park. There’s a big difference. There’s plenty to do including mini-golf, pedal karts, trampolines, a great cafe – there’s even a convenience store for when you need milk or ice in a hurry.
Several children’s playgrounds, a 40m tandem flying fox and a mega swing mean the kids are entertained for hours. An amphitheatre in the middle of the camping area hosts regular events during summer including a band for New Year’s Eve, and al fresco movies. Imagine watching the sunset and enjoying some live music – pure bliss!
Local bars, the beach and sports fields are within easy walking distance plus a BMX track, powered Go Karts, Natureland Eco-Zoo and a Hydroslide.
The world-famous Great Taste Trail board-walk runs along the waterfront and it’s hard not to feel refreshed strolling along there with a fresh coffee in hand. This has to be one of the
most beautiful places in the world on a calm sunny morning.
Pets are welcome at the Green Zone, so campers can bring their pets from February to November.
We chatted with David, who is the chief executive.
“Each year we consistently fine-tune the facility and the offering – it’s a great place to work because of the improvement and reinvestment philosophy. We celebrated our 90-year birthday in 2016, which reminded us about the legacy we are custodians of, and how magical this place is. We have 25 staff and employ another 15 during the summer season, but with more than 2000 guests in-house during Peak, there’s a lot to do to make everything run smoothly.”
In the early days there used to be car races on the mudflats opposite the Holiday Park. At low tide the cars raced and were often covered in mud. One year there was a terrible accident when a driver was decapitated. That was a story that many locals remember to this day.
“Nelson City Council first acquired the land that Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park & Motel occupies in 1910 for the sum of three hundred and five pounds, 12 shillings and sixpence.
The Tāhuna Sands Association took over responsibility for the development of the area in 1926 and in only the first two years, access to the beach was improved and the first facilities were provided such as changing sheds, a playground and a kiosk. This was the start of the historic camping ground we operate today.”
Videos:
To read some interesting camping stories, there’s a dedicated section on the website. You might even recognise some names. www.tahuna.nz/history
As we get older we value memories and moments a lot more. It’s what makes life so beautiful and having a good base to work from is a massive part of having a successful relaxing and memorable summer with the crew.
Visit the websites, follow on Social Media and make your summer one that your children will remember for decades.
www.tahuna.nz
www.facebook.com/tahunanz
www.instagram.com/tahunabeach
www.youtube.com/Tahunabeachholidaypark
www.tahuna.nz/history
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