Tahunanui is a sheltered bay located in Nelson, New Zealand's South Island, characterized by shallow tidal flats and sand banks. The bay opens toward the northeast, making it a protected body of water with limited fetch. The spot features a wide sandy beach with residential areas and parks nearby, creating an accessible launch point but with infrastructure constraints.
This location functions primarily as a light-wind lagoon-style spot suitable for beginners and those practicing basic skills. The extremely shallow water and extensive sand banks dominate the riding area, providing natural speed control but limiting progression options. Wind reliability is critically low at 0.2%, suggesting this spot experiences predominantly light or no-wind conditions typical of sheltered southern New Zealand bays.
Best conditions occur with northwest winds (315°), which provide side-shore approach to the bay. Average wind speeds of 3.9 knots indicate this is marginal for kitesurfing and suitable only during occasional stronger wind days. The small average wave height (0.41m) means this spot is not wave-riding oriented. Kiters should monitor tidal conditions carefully, as exposed sand banks shift with tide cycles.