Kakanui is a surf spot located near the small town of Kakanui, just south of Oamaru. It features a mix of beach and rocky areas, making it an appealing place for surfers looking to catch some waves. The beach can get some local crowd on good days, but generally, it’s not too crowded, giving you some space to enjoy your session.
The waves here work best with a south swell and can handle sizes starting from 2ft (about 0.6 meters). It’s a right-hand point break that peels nicely over uneven reef and some sandy areas. The optimal wind direction is from the west, and the tide should be at mid to high for the best conditions. It’s a good spot for intermediate surfers looking to hone their skills or just enjoy some decent surf.
When making your way to Kakanui, directions are pretty straightforward. From Oamaru, head south on State Highway 1 and turn left onto Fortification Road. Continue until you hit Beach Road, which will change to High Street and then to Cobblestone Road, bringing you right to the beach. Alternatively, you can head to the south side of the river on Harbour Terrace for more options. Just remember to check the conditions, and enjoy the surf!