The North Otago Coast on the Pacific is spectacular and largely overlooked by travellers. Instead of taking State Highway 1 south of Ōamaru, head to the coast south of Cape Wanbrow along Beach Road. Find the reserve with beach access. You can then continue on this road to the small beach town of Kakanui and continue along the coast on Waianakarua Road to Te Hakapureirei Beach.
You will take this route in Kakanui Point and Campbells Bay, Ōrore All Day Bay, Bridge Point and Te Hakapureirei Beach. Shortly before the Waianakarua River Mouth, the road heads inland to the west to connect with State Highway 1 north of Hampden.
This trip is short, at only 25 km, with good-quality sealed roads and beautiful and easily accessible beaches. They are typically fringed by mostly green pastoral farmland. At the northern end, stunning gold-to-orange sand predominates, reflecting the warm colours of the eroding coastal cliffs. Further south, the ancient eroding limestone cliffs make for less colourful but still stunning beaches.
The Points on the North Otago Coast typically represent the eroded remnants of ancient volcanoes dating back more than 30 million years. There are some unusual rock formations around Kakanui Point and a natural arch at Bridge Point. There is a commercial campground in Kakanui, and freedom camping is possible in other locations. Take care close to the cliffs!
