The Nelson region is home to some of New Zealand's most beautiful beaches, loved by locals and visitors alike. The best part? Almost all of them are sandy and perfect for swimming. Whether you're into kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or kite surfing, you'll find plenty of spots to get out on the water - and every beach below has a 360° view so you can look around before you go.
Tahunanui (Tahuna) Beach is Nelson's most popular beach and only minutes from town. It has a lifeguarded area in summer and is great for families, swimmers, paddleboarders and kite surfers.
About a 25 minute drive from Nelson, Rabbit Island (Moturoa) has a huge, wide sandy beach where you can always find a quiet spot. Big grassy picnic areas with gas BBQs make it the ultimate family beach day, and walking and cycling tracks run through the pine forest behind the beach.
Kaiteriteri is famous for its golden sand and clear, aquamarine water. It's a popular holiday spot and the gateway to the Abel Tasman, with heaps of outdoor activities on and off the water.
Near Kaiteriteri, at the edge of Abel Tasman National Park, an easy 20-30 minute return walk takes you down to the beach at Split Apple Rock. Wade out at low tide or paddle past by kayak.
Cable Bay is a sheltered pebble beach about 20 km north-east of Nelson. Swim, snorkel in the Horoirangi Marine Reserve, kayak around Pepin Island or set off on the Cable Bay Walkway.
Kina Beach is a scenic spot for a long beach walk and for collecting shells and urchins (Kina). At the Kina Beach Reserve you can camp a few rights on the beachfront.
