Tahuna Beach

It is strange to recall that this beautiful beach has been formed within the period of memory of some people who are still with us today.

The Waimea River used to flow past the site of the motor camp and the channel there was deep enough for ships to shelter in bad weather particularly during north-westerly gales. The river ran parallel to Rocks Road but was diverted by the rock formation and by the outgoing tides, at the old entrance. It swerved westwards, and out behind the Waimea Bank—a giant sandbank—well out to sea. Over the years this sandbank was washed in towards the land and gradually, the beach was formed. Until this consolidated, patches of quick-sands were traps to the unwary. There were warning notices up—this was around the 1890's—but these all added to the spice of danger which invariably accompanied a picnic on the sands.