Last updated July 2026
Te Pā Harakeke is a family-friendly natural play space within Tahunanui Reserve in Nelson, New Zealand. The park occupies the former site of the Modellers’ Pond and opened following a community-led redevelopment by Nelson City Council. It blends Māori cultural elements with sustainable design and active play opportunities for all ages. Visitors enjoy the coastal setting between Waimea Inlet and the Port Hills while connecting with local heritage and nature.
Practical Information
| Location | Tahunanui Reserve, accessed via Rocks Road and Beach Road, Tahunanui, Nelson |
| Size of reserve | 93 hectares |
| Status | Open to the public |
| Entry | Free |
| Parking | Large free car park available (busy during peak times) |
| Dogs | Prohibited from playgrounds and sports fields; allowed off-leash in other areas |
| Facilities | Toilets, nearby beach and reserve amenities |
| Accessibility | Accessible trails and shaded areas |
About Te Pā Harakeke
Te Pā Harakeke sits within the 93-hectare Tahunanui Reserve, a triangular coastal area between Waimea Inlet and the Port Hills. The reserve includes the beach, dunes, sports fields and other recreational spaces. The park itself replaced the former Modellers’ Pond, which suffered from persistent algae and weed problems that made it unsustainable.
The redevelopment transformed the site into a natural play area using sustainable materials and native planting. Raised pathways and boardwalks connect play zones while improving stormwater management and supporting local biodiversity. The project incorporated extensive public consultation and input from local kaumātua.
Nelson City Council worked with the Iwi-Council Partnership Group to ensure the design respected cultural values. The result is a welcoming space that supports family recreation alongside environmental restoration, including efforts to re-home native fish and eels.
History of the Site
Tahunanui Reserve has served as a community leisure destination for over a century. Parts of the land were acquired by Nelson City Council around 1910. The Modellers’ Pond was established in the 1930s and later included a miniature railway operated by the Nelson Society of Modellers. The pond area remained popular until environmental issues led to its closure and redevelopment.
The new park preserves the recreational legacy of the site while addressing past challenges through a more sustainable design. The name Te Pā Harakeke was gifted in 2022 and formally adopted following community and iwi support.
Cultural Significance
The name Te Pā Harakeke, gifted by Nelson City Council kaumātua, draws on the harakeke (flax) plant as a metaphor for whānau (family). The central shoot represents a child, protected by surrounding shoots symbolising parents and grandparents. This multi-generational theme reflects the park’s purpose as a family-oriented space and honours the area’s long Māori history, including a kāinga dating back centuries.
The design incorporates cultural elements that deepen visitors’ connection to local heritage while complementing the coastal environment.
Design and Play Features
Play areas feature natural elements, raised pathways, boardwalks, and interactive zones that encourage active and imaginative play. Wood and stone materials blend with the landscape. Educational opportunities include connections to local wildlife and the estuarine environment. Shaded areas and accessible trails support inclusive use by families and visitors of varying abilities.
Access and Facilities
The park is reached via Rocks Road and Beach Road with a large free car park nearby. Toilets and other reserve facilities are available. Dogs are not permitted in the playground area. The site is generally accessible during daylight hours with no entry fees.
What Visitors Often Say
Families appreciate the natural play elements and cultural touches that make the space engaging for children while offering a peaceful setting for adults. Many note the transformation from the old pond and enjoy the combination of active play and quiet discovery areas.
Visitors frequently comment on the welcoming atmosphere, good accessibility, and how the park suits a range of ages. The coastal location and native planting add to the appeal for regular local users and tourists alike.
Where to Learn More
Shape Nelson – Te Pā Harakeke project page: Official updates on the reserve redevelopment and current status.
Shape Nelson – Naming announcement: Details on the cultural naming process and community involvement.
Nelson City Council – Tahunanui Reserve page: Overview of the full reserve, facilities, and management rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Te Pā Harakeke open to the public?
Yes, the park is open following completion of the redevelopment.
Is there an entry fee?
No, entry to Te Pā Harakeke and Tahunanui Reserve is free.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are prohibited from playgrounds and sports fields but may be off-leash in other parts of the reserve.
Is parking available?
A large free car park serves the area, though it can be busy at peak times.
What are the opening hours?
The park is accessible during daylight hours with no specific closing time.
Are there picnic facilities?
The broader reserve offers green spaces suitable for picnics near the playground.
Is the park accessible for wheelchairs?
Accessible trails and features support inclusive use.
Can events be held there?
The space accommodates community gatherings subject to council guidelines.
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