Discovering Kakanui
Kakanui, also known as Kākaunui, is a picturesque beach community situated about eight kilometres south of Ōamaru in North Otago. This coastal destination displays stunning golden to orange sand, below vibrant cliffs and rocky coves. The area's scenic beauty and geological significance make Kakanui a superb option for those who prefer to be off the beaten track. Kakanui also has a commercial campground.
Exploring the Beaches and Cliffs
At the north end of Kakanui is an 800 metre beach, followed by Kakanui River and its mouth, then cliff-bound Kakanui Point. There are some houses behind the beach, but most are on the top of the point. South of Kakanui Point is All Day Bay, with a 3 km beach backed by cliffs.
You can explore the beach by taking Kakanui Road at the northern end of the town to the end of the crescent-shaped beach, and explore from there. You can also drive to the southern end of the beach and river mouth along Cobblestone Road from Kakanui Road.
The other option is to drive to the south side of the Point on Waianakarua Road, then take Magdala Street east, and turn south onto Stirling Street. This takes you to Campbell Reserve, with access to the north end of the All Day Bay and the cliffs around Kakanui Point at low tide.
Cultural Significance
The Kākaunui River is historically significant, named by the original Māori settlers after a crew member of their ancestral waka, Araiteuru. The area was once a pā site and served as a vital kāika mahika kai, or food-gathering place.
Geological Significance
Geologically, Kakanui is intriguing. Kakanui Point, on the south side of the river mouth, is a remnant of a 34-million-year-old volcano. At low tide, you may discover white rocks containing small red garnet crystals, which were uplifted 20 kilometres by the volcano. Rocks with orange-green fragments, originating from depths of 30 to 70 kilometres, can also be found.
Getting to Kakanui
To reach Kakanui, travel south from Ōamaru along Beach Road for about eight kilometres. Parking is available on the side of the road before entering the town. Alternatively, you can get there from Maheno on State Highway 1 on the Maheno Kakanui Road.
North of Kakanui lies another long stretch of unnamed orange sand beach, with the best access at Kakanui Beach Reserve, Oamaru, and the beautiful Bushy Beach, home to seals and penguins. To the south, beyond All Day Bay, is Te Hakapureirei Beach.
