Discovering Kakanui Beach
Kakanui Beach is situated just south of Ōamaru and Cape Wanbrow along the North Otago Coast. This five-kilometre stretch of coastline is known for its striking gold and orange sands, making it an appealing destination for a day trip. Although it lacks an official name on maps, it is referred to as Kakanui Beach.
Access and Activities at Kakanui Beach
Beach Road provides access to Kakanui Beach, running from the north to the south end. There are two main entry points. At the northern end, you can find roadside parking with a short path that leads through modest cliffs and dunes. The southern end features a larger car park at the Kakanui Beach Reserve. The beach is never crowded and is a peaceful setting for a picnic or other beach activities.
While Kakanui Beach is ideal for relaxation, it is not considered safe for swimming. If you choose to swim, do so during an incoming tide with low surf and favourable weather conditions. As this is the Pacific Coast, caution is recommended.
How to Get to Kakanui Beach
To visit Kakanui Beach, travel south from Ōamaru along Beach Road. Nearby coastal areas worth exploring include Bushy Beach on Cape Wanbrow, another unnamed beach in the town of Kakanui to the south, and Ōrore All Day Bay.
