Discover Kakapotahi

Kakapotahi brings together coastal landscapes and river mouths with routes into the remote hinterland. When deciding whether the area is right for your trip, it is worth considering these different focuses separately: along the coast, the main activities are walking, fishing and occasional kayaking; hikes in the hinterland require experience and good equipment.

Coast, dunes and river mouth

The coastal area around Kakapotahi includes active and stable sand dunes, as well as estuaries. The sand dunes are classified as threatened ecosystems, while estuaries are classified as Vulnerable. The Kākāpotahi Conservation Area directly borders the Waitaha Scenic Reserve; the two areas are indistinguishable in ecological and landscape terms.

The coastal strip and river mouth around Kakapotahi are used for walking, fishing and occasional kayaking. A coastal track starts at the end of Beach Road, passes through Kakapotahi and ends at the mouth of the Waitaha River. If you plan to take this track, check conditions locally.

Getting there and staying overnight at the beach

The coastal area near Kakapotahi can be reached via Bold Head Road and Beach Road. Road conditions can change, so take this into account when planning your journey. There is also a designated freedom camping site at the end of Beach Road at Kakapotahi Beach. Overnight stays are permitted there from 8:00 pm to 7:00 am, but only in a certified self-contained vehicle. Sites are available only while the designated parking area is not full. These time and vehicle requirements, along with limited capacity, should be factored into your plans.

Rivers and activities

The Kakapotahi River, also known as Little Waitaha, is accessible by road. It has difficulty grades 3–4 and can be paddled across a wide range of flows; however, river conditions depend on the flow. The two river sections are used by individual groups, visiting paddling clubs, and students and instructors from Tai Poutini Polytechnic. This describes different user groups, not general suitability for every experience level.

The mouth of the Mikonui River is also a place used seasonally: whitebaiting takes place there during the whitebait season. Check specific dates for this seasonal activity before making plans. Happy Valley Road is required to reach the Kakapotahi River and the track further up the valley to Polluck Creek Hut; check road conditions before setting out.

Hikes in the hinterland

The Mikonui River–Kakapotahi River area offers opportunities for experienced backcountry hikers. Access to the upper Mikonui Valley is via Totara Valley Road; the turn-off from SH6 is north of Ross. The Dickie Ridge/Tuke River Route is suitable only for fit, well-equipped and experienced hikers, and runs through remote backcountry. The best conditions for the Dickie Ridge/Upper Tuke River Route are in summer and autumn, although weather and snow conditions can vary.

The track to Polluck Creek Hut also requires separate planning: the Department of Conservation no longer maintains it; Permolat carries out occasional maintenance there. The coastal track, river use and backcountry route therefore differ considerably in their requirements. If you are considering Kakapotahi as a destination, you can first decide whether to focus your stay on the coastal area or the challenging backcountry routes.

Discover more destinations: Hokitika, Ross, Okarito, Haast, Fox Glacier, Bruce Bay, Whataroa, Otira

For the broader travel overview: Westland District.