Chill out in Kakanui, a coastal town offering market gardens, sheltered bays and surf breaks.
The small town of Kakanui lies on the coast, 14km south of Oamaru. With rich, fertile soil, surrounding market gardens produce large quantities of vegetables which also available for purchase on roadside stalls.
The Kakanui River mouth is a popular spot for white-baiters and the river physically divides the township in two. Campbells Bay, Kakanui’s main beach south of the headland, is 2km long and provides a surfable break and a safe swimming beach for all to enjoy – particularly on a hot summers day! The southern end, known as All Day Bay, has less surf but often is more sheltered.
These beaches are often frequented by Hector’s Dolphins which are only too happy to play around in the surf. Kai Tahu used to temporarily occupy Kakanui as they travelled north and south evidenced by midden and other artefacts associated with past human occupation in the area.
