Discovering Kakanui Point and Campbell Bay
Kakanui Point and Campbell Bay are located along the North Otago Coast, immediately south of Kakanui and accessible from Waianakarua Road just after you cross the Kakanui River bridge. This point and bay are known for their striking geological features, including remnants of an ancient volcano and unique limestone formations, as well as beautiful beaches.
Scenic Views and Geological Wonders
The point is mainly covered in houses associated with the small town of Taranui. However, the area can be explored from Campbell Bay Reserve, which is perched atop the cliffs at the southern end of Kakanui Point. From here, you can enjoy stunning views southward along Ōrore All Day Bay. A short path leads to public toilets and picnic tables with native shrubs, providing a nice spot to relax before descending to the shoreline.
Campbell Bay is a small section of All Day Bay below the cliffs. The rocky shoreline around the base of Kakanui Point is accessible from the reserve. Kakanui Point itself is a remnant of a volcano, 34 million years old. At Campbell Bay, you'll notice a striking protrusion of whitish rock extending from the Point into the surf. This is the ancient Ototara Limestone layer, also visible in the Waitaki Valley near Duntroon, where it is known as Waitaki Whitestone. The limestone features intriguing curved shapes and holes, originally shrimp burrows that were enlarged by erosion 30 million years ago.
How to Get There
To visit Kakanui Point and Campbell Bay, start on Waianakarua Road, crossing the Kakanui River bridge. Head south, then turn left onto Magdala Street and right onto Stirling Street. Campbell Bay Reserve is located at the top of the cliffs at the southern end of Kakanui Point.
Nearby, Kakanui Beach is up the coast. Heading down the coast, you can discover Bridge Point, Te Hakapureirei Beach, Hampden Beach, Moeraki Boulders and Moeraki.
