[3] The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "large sandbank" for Tāhunanui.

It lies on the shore of Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere on the northern edge of a peninsula which stretches west from Tāhunanui.

The beach is notable for its long shallow slope, and for this reason is extremely popular with local swimmers, as the water is generally calm and warmed by the sun.

[6] The Tāhunanui statistical area covers 1.61 km2 (0.62 sq mi).

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 57.8% had no religion, 29.3% were Christian, 0.5% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.3% were Hindu, 0.2% were Muslim, 1.4% were Buddhist and 2.4% had other religions.