Discover Kātiki Beach on the North Otago Coast
Kātiki Beach, stretching nine kilometres between Kātiki Point and Shag Point, is a scenic gem on the North Otago Coast. State Highway 1 runs parallel to much of the beach, offering stunning views from the road. A notable reason to visit is the opportunity to explore unique rock formations similar to the famous Moeraki Boulders, but without the crowds.
Exploring the Beach and Unique Rock Formations
The beach offers a sense of remoteness, especially towards the north end, where a reserve provides the only safe stopping point before Shag Point. This reserve, accessible from the main highway, also serves as a campsite for self-contained camper vans. From here, a 2 km beach walk north leads towards Kātiki Point, offering a tranquil experience away from the highway.
Walking south from the reserve for about 2 km during low tide reveals fascinating rock concretions. Unlike the spherical Moeraki Boulders, these formations resemble a kumara due to the effects of water flow and calcite reactions on the surrounding mud over millions of years.
How to Get There
To reach Kātiki Beach, travel along State Highway 1 between the town of Moeraki and Shag Point, which runs alongside much of the beach. The reserve, located towards the northern end, is the only safe stopping point before Shag Point.
Nearby, you can also visit the Moeraki Boulders for a more well-known geological experience, Kātiki Point for its historic pā and kekeno (fur seal) colony and the town of Moeraki for fish and chips. Less well known are the walks and campsite at Trotters Gorge.
