1 / 3Tahunanui Model Railway
📍 Tāhunanui, Nelson
The Nelson Society of Modellers runs over 500 metres of raised and ground-level live steam track through Te Pā Harakeke wetlands, including tunnels and bridges. Cash-only rides, a small on-site museum, and an outdoor setting beside Tāhunanui beach.
A unique and fun experience riding the model trains. The adults almost had more fun than the kids! Beautiful track in amongst Te Pa Harakeke, the wetland, estuary and Tāhunanui back beach. Loved the tunnel too!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
A genuinely one-of-a-kind afternoon on the Nelson coast — parents find themselves enjoying the wetland track as much as the kids. Bring cash and allow time for the museum.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →12 Google reviews
Rachel Pemberton
2 years ago
“A unique and fun experience riding the model trains. The adults almost had more fun than the kids! Beautiful track in amongst Te Pa Harakeke, the wetland, estuary and Tāhunanui back beach. Loved the tunnel too!”
Antz Edge
2 years ago
“Boy loved the trains. Definitely be back. Good value for money and good for the kids”
Dianne Clark
7 years ago
“$1 per ride,Children loved and little museum(?) was good too.Thank you.”
Marcel Parmentier
5 months ago
“Great place for kids and adults. Good value at $2 a ride.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Nelson Society of Modellers operates live steam trains on a track network spanning raised and ground-level loops, tunnels, and bridges through Te Pā Harakeke wetland and estuary reserve behind Tāhunanui beach. Tickets are cash only. The clubrooms hold a small museum display worth a look. Open Sundays, weather and volunteers permitting. Enclosed footwear is required. Pram-accessible terrain runs alongside the wetland with estuary views.
