NELSON RENTALS FIELD GUIDE
Big Tahuna: Giant SUP Parties on Tahunanui Bay
Group hires on a mega stand-up paddleboard for birthdays, schools and get-togethers—everything you need is provided so you can spend your time laughing on the water.
Big Tahuna: Giant SUP Parties on Tahunanui Bay.
Bring your friends and family to Tahunanui for the Big Tahuna, a mega SUP designed for group play: paddle challenges, balancing games, wipeouts and a floating platform for sunshine and laughter. The hire is aimed at group celebrations and school or business outings, and the operator provides instruction, buoyancy aids and paddles so parties can focus on the fun.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
One mega board for group play
The Big Tahuna is a single Mega SUP that acts as a floating party platform—great for team paddle drills, balance challenges and just hanging out in the bay with friends or colleagues.
Paddle, balance and laugh
Operator-led briefings and simple paddle challenges turn the hire into a social, active session where groups practice paddling in unison, try balancing games and expect some wipeouts—part of the appeal for parties and school groups.
Suitable for a broad range of ages
Designed for mixed-age groups, the Big Tahuna accommodates up to 10 children (intermediate/junior) or six to eight high-school-aged participants or adults, with buoyancy aids supplied for all paddlers.
What the day feels like
What it feels like on the water
The session moves quickly from a short kit-up and briefing to on-water group paddling and playful challenges. Expect guided instruction, plenty of team moments as you learn to paddle together, chances to test balance and the inevitable laughs when someone takes a tumble—the emphasis is on shared, low-stress fun in the bay.
THE PLATFORM
One mega board for group play
The Big Tahuna is a single Mega SUP that acts as a floating party platform—great for team paddle drills, balance challenges and just hanging out in the bay with friends or colleagues.
THE GAMES
Paddle, balance and laugh
Operator-led briefings and simple paddle challenges turn the hire into a social, active session where groups practice paddling in unison, try balancing games and expect some wipeouts—part of the appeal for parties and school groups.
THE ACCESS
Suitable for a broad range of ages
Designed for mixed-age groups, the Big Tahuna accommodates up to 10 children (intermediate/junior) or six to eight high-school-aged participants or adults, with buoyancy aids supplied for all paddlers.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hire suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Paddle Nelson supplies the Mega SUP, buoyancy aids, paddles and an instruction/conditions briefing. Arrive 10 minutes early to kit up, sign in and be briefed.
Hires are available by the hour; note that wind tends to pick up through the summer—Paddle Nelson recommends earlier bookings in the day and will contact you if conditions are too strong for the ocean.
One hour: $110. Two hours: $200. Three hours: $300.
Meet at Tahunanui Beach, Bisley Walk (Abel Tasman Carpark), Tāhunanui, Nelson 7011 for check-in and briefing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can we hire the Big Tahuna and what does it cost?
Hires are available by the hour: one hour $110; two hours $200; three hours $300.
Where do we meet for our booking?
Meet at Tahunanui Beach, Bisley Walk (Abel Tasman Carpark), Tāhunanui, Nelson 7011 for check-in and briefing.
What equipment and instruction are included?
The hire includes the Mega SUP, paddles, buoyancy aids for all paddlers and an instruction/conditions briefing.
How many people can use the Big Tahuna at once?
Up to 10 children (intermediate/junior) or six to eight high-school-aged participants or adults, per hire.
Are there any skill or safety requirements?
Participants are asked to be comfortable in the water; arrive 10 minutes early to be fitted with buoyancy aids, sign in and receive a briefing. The operator will contact you in advance to move a booking if winds are too strong for safe ocean conditions.
Can schools or businesses book the Big Tahuna?
Yes—the hire is promoted as a good option for birthdays, parties, schools or businesses seeking a group activity in the bay.