A Family-friendly Stop on Surf Highway 45
Kāpokonui Beach lies off State Highway 45 west of Manaia on the South Taranaki coast. The Kāpokonui Stream reaches the sea here, and the beach sits at the river mouth where dunes, a surf break, and a sheltered camping reserve face the South Taranaki Bight. It is one of the calmer beaches along this stretch of coast and a reliable stop for families travelling Surf Highway 45.
Reserve and Facilities
The access road takes you directly to the grassy Kāpokonui Beach reserve, tucked between a prominent hill and the stream, which broadens into a lagoon as it approaches the beach. There is a campground with powered sites, cabins, a bunkhouse and shared facilities. Basketball and volleyball courts, plus two children's playgrounds with extra-long slides, make it a popular choice for families. The Kāpokonui Stream is an option for swimming and paddling, particularly popular with children.
Kaūpokonui is also an important archaeological site, one of the earliest Māori coastal settlements in South Taranaki, along with Ōhawe and Waitore.
Beach and Steam
A bridge over the stream links the reserve to the sand dunes, with a 300-metre walk along the stream bank to the beach. The high golden cliff, as you approach the beach on the far side of the stream, is particularly photogenic, as are the rocks at the end of the dunes.
The beach itself is a broad sweep of iron sand, dark and compact underfoot, with consistent waves that attract both surfers and swimmers when conditions allow. When the whitebait run in season, the river mouth draws local fishers. Rock pools and a fishing area at the beach edge add to the appeal for those wanting to explore at low tide. Taranaki Maunga is also visible from the beach on clear days, and the late-afternoon light across the dunes and sea is worth timing a visit around.
How to get there
Kāpokonui Beach is accessed from State Highway 45 west of Manaia. Turn south off the highway onto Lower Glen Road, then head west when you reach Kāpokonui Beach Road. This takes you into the reserve. From Hāwera, the drive is 24 km and 21 minutes. From New Plymouth, it is 82 km and 65 minutes.
Nearby places to visit include Ōhawe Beach, Waihi Beach, and King Edward Park, Naumai Park and Tawhiti Museum in Hāwera.
