The Classic Kiwi Holiday
Since 1926

We’re really proud that New Zealanders have been making beachside memories here at Tāhunanui, Nelson, since 1926!

So naturally, in 2026 we’re celebrating – 100 years of beachside memories!

The Tāhuna Sands Association first took over responsibility for development of the already popular recreational location of Tāhunanui in 1926 and soon built changing sheds, a playground and a kiosk.

Many people were already freedom camping in the area but the new facilities increased demand so much that a motor camp was officially added to the mix in November 1937. That year 700 holidaymakers camped on site – the beginning of a summer holiday tradition that has continued to this day for many generations of families.

The holiday park now occupies some 24 hectares running alongside Tāhunanui Beach and inlet. Regularly appearing at the top of Favourite Beaches in New Zealand surveys, the Holiday Park itself was also the recipient of the Hospitality NZ Award for the Outstanding Accommodation Provider, Nelson Tasman in 2025.

A number of centennial events for our guests and the wider Whakatū Nelson community are planned throughout 2026 – join us for the celebrations.

Share Your Memories

Join the Centenary Celebrations

We’re planning a year of special events and community fun! Keep an eye on our social platforms and this page for updates.

New Year's Day Picnic (guests and village residents only)

We kick the year off with a Picnic while our Park is at its fullest for the year. Many of the people staying with us at this time have been coming for decades, and today we honour them with live music, fun games, spot prizes and a couple of (short) speeches.

Historic Guided Tour App - TUKU26 Whakatū (for guests and locals) - 3-19 April 2026

We have developed a tour of the Holiday Park and close surrounds available soon on a downloadable app.

Offered as part of TUKU26 Whakatū, Nelson’s annual heritage festival, during the April school holidays the public is invited into our Holiday Park to follow the trail of 12 historic spots with narration and images on your mobile phone.

While the catalyst for creating the tour was our centenary, the stories go further back than 100 years as we explore some of Tāhunanui’s rich historic context.

(We plan to continue to develop the Pick Path further into the year.)

Digital Events - (for everyone) - get involved and win!

Throughout the year we’ll be running digital events – activities anyone can get involved in and have a chance to win!

Keep an eye on our social pages and get involved in the following:

January: Summer Style Showdown.

March: Then and Now – recreate that image!

May: Memory Art – draw it, colour it, send it.

June: How Well do you Know your Beach?

August: Complete the Story.

October: Tāhuna Beach Olympics (Home Edition).

In-Person Events (for guests and locals)

February: The Great Sculpt Off – a sandcastle competition to rule them all.

July: Beach Scavenger Hunt

September: Our annual Beach Clean-up – aiming for 1000 kgs this time!

November: Look to the Sky – Sunset Photo Competition.

100th AGM and Book Launch (for everyone) - Sept 2026

In September, Tāhuna Beach Camp Inc holds its 100th AGM. This special occasion with dignitaries and special guests, this will also see the launch of our publication (currently being created) ‘100 years of Beachside Memories’.

HAVE YOU sent in your images and stories for consideration yet? [link to other page with form]

Holiday Park Staff Reunion (for current and former staff) - Sept 2026

Have you worked at the Holiday Park in the past? Reception, grounds, security, maintenance, reception, park assistant, bike usher, HR, accounts; whatever you did you are a very important part of our journey. In fact, without the team there wouldn’t be a holiday park!

If you’ve worked here, you’re invited to this special lunch of appreciation.

Celebrating 100 Years

By July 12, 2022

60 Years of Memories

Collective Holiday Memories

By June 15, 2022

To Tent or Not to Tent

Collective Holiday Memories

Share Your Memories

Reconnect & Reminisce

Whether you came here every summer in the Holden station wagon for decades or pitched a tent under the stars on your OE, worked as one of the team dedicated to making our guests comfortable and happy, or lived in the Holiday Park residential village long-term, Tāhuna has a way of bringing people together.

Join our community as we mark this 100-year milestone – reconnect with old camping mates, share your memories, and jump in on giveaways, competitions and more.

Follow us on socials @TahunaBeachHolidayPark and tag your photos with #Tahuna100

The Classic Kiwi Holiday Since 1926