Kakanui is a charming ocean-side village that is as tranquil as it is beautiful. The main beach, Campbellās Bay, is a safe for swimming but also has a good break for surfers. Hector’s Dolphins will often be seen playing in the waves and can be spotted right along the Kakanui coastline. The southern end of this 2 km beach is known as All Day Bay and is more sheltered.
Midden and other artefacts that have been discovered in the area suggest Kai Tahu once temporarily occupied Kakanui in their travels north and south.
This beachside village and the surrounding area is well-known for its rich and fertile soils with many market gardens in the local area. You’ll find a good selection of seasonal produce available for purchase on roadside stalls. Local talk has it that Kakanui potatoes and tomatoes are among the best in the world.
These rich sand also form many of the country’s top cricket pitches due to their physical properties.