Discover Kai Iwi Beach
Kai Iwi Beach, also known as Mōwhanau Beach, is located northwest of Castlecliff in Whanganui. This spectacular surf beach is easily accessible and a scenic escape just 15 minutes west of Whanganui. The area features a small beach community, a pleasant reserve near the main beach access, and a commercial campground. For a panoramic view, head to the top of Sunset Road.
Exploring the Beach
The Beach is framed by dramatic coastal cliffs and bordered by two streams, the Kai Iwi Stream to the west and another unnamed stream to the east. A large pile of driftwood marks the mouth of the eastern stream, and there is a playground behind the stream.
At low tide, you can walk around the eastern headland to explore further stretches of coastline towards Castlepoint. The cliffs are striking and incredibly colourful. As the tide retreats, the wet sand is highly reflective, making an excellent combination for coastal photos. If you are wandering around the cliffs, it's important to heed warnings about standing too close due to the risk of rockfalls.
For panoramic views of the coast, drive up to Sunset Road. A short walking track leads from the top of Sunset Road down to a footbridge crossing the Kai Iwi Stream and providing access to the west side of the beach.
The middle of the beach is known as Mōwhanau Beach, and this section has a surf patrol from mid-December to early February.
How to Get There
From Whanganui, head northwest on State Highway 3, then turn onto Rapanui Road to the west shortly after leaving the city. This takes you all the way to the Kai Iwi Beach, where you turn left into Mowhanau Drive and the car park.
Other places to visit along the route include Lake Virginia and Lake Westmere. Continuing west also gets you to more spectacular cliffs and beaches at remote Ototoka Beach, Waverley Beach and Patea.
