Kakanui on the Coast

Kakanui is a coastal town whose landscape can be understood through three key features: the Kakanui River, the beaches and the northern coastal cliffs. The river physically divides the settlement into two parts. Along the coast, a long main beach, a coastal path and geological features alternate. There are also historical and cultural connections that broaden the focus beyond a simple beach stay to the history of the estuary and the town.

Beaches and Coastal Areas

Campbells Bay, Kakanui’s main beach south of the headland, stretches for two kilometres. The beach offers surf suitable for surfing and is also a safe swimming beach. All Day Bay lies at the southern end of Campbells Bay. This section is often more sheltered and has less surf. Hector’s dolphins frequently visit Kakanui’s beaches.

The Northern Coastal Path

A walking track runs along the northern coastal cliffs between the village of Kakanui and Catseye Point, a Department of Conservation coastal reserve in North Otago. The coastal path forms a loop from the village to the headland and back via Kakanui Beach. Along the route, a coastal trap line extended up to the cliffs helps protect the nesting sites of gulls and cormorants from introduced predators.

Kakanui River and Estuary

Recreational activities involving watercraft, fishing and birdwatching take place in the Kakanui Estuary, the Kakanui River and the surrounding coastal area. Whitebait fishing at the mouth of the Kakanui River is a popular topic among anglers. There are car parks, public toilets and a playground there. As information about these facilities may change, check again before your trip.

Cultural History and Traditions

The mouth of the Kakanui River has long been significant to Kāi Tahu whānui as an ancient pā site and a traditional food-gathering place. Traditionally gathered foods included weka, tuna (eels), tutu and kōareare, the edible root of raupō. Kāi Tahu whānau continue the traditions of gathering food at the estuary. Midden and other artefacts in Kakanui provide evidence of earlier temporary use of the site by Kāi Tahu while travelling north and south.

Geology and Building History

At Campbells Bay, a geological sequence is visible in which the Ototara Limestone slopes down towards the beach. The holes in the limestone outcrop are burrows made by shrimp, which were further eroded and enlarged about 30 million years ago. Another historic feature is the former Kakanui Presbyterian Church: it is a rare example of a timber church designed by the prominent Dunedin architect Robert Arthur Lawson.

Local Vegetables

The surrounding vegetable gardens are also part of Kakanui’s character. They produce large quantities of vegetables that can be bought from roadside stalls.

Discover more destinations: Waianakarua, Oamaru, Herbert, Hampden, Kurow, Windsor, Duntroon, Deborah.

For the broader travel overview: Waitaki District.