51 - Lions Playground and Tahunanui Beach

legendThis walk takes in Nelson's premier children's playground - the Lions Playground.

Time: 50 - 70 minutes walking. The playground time is over to you!

Area: Tahunanui

Note: Easy walk over sand. Check the newspaper for tide times when planning this walk.

Start Location: Tahunanui Reserve carpark by the Lions Playground.

Download the Lions Playground and Tahunanui Beach map (184KB PDF)

Route directions

Cross the playground and head to the left on Tahunanui Beach. There's plenty to interest children on the beach, and in summer (or a fine winter's day) you can swim.

The view of ships coming and going from the port is impressive and if you're taking an evening stroll, the sunsets are a treat.

Turn left when the main beach ends and head down the Back Beach to the point where the sand hills end at the entrance to a small inlet. From here wander through the trees back towards the carpark.

There are a number of tracks to follow which all eventually lead out onto the reserve road.

Once out from under the pine trees follow the road past the roller skating rink and the fun park (with hydro slide, mini golf and Indy 500 cars). Where the road forks take the left side and walk past Natureland and through the walkway past the café.

From here follow the road back to the carpark and the Lions Playground.