Kai Iwi Beach to Castlecliff

Beach walkers, driftwood collectors and fossil hunters will love this long (12km), but easy walk along the glittering black sand beach. There is also a shorter option (2 hours) from Kai Iwi Beach in the other direction to Okehu Stream. Both are low-tide walks so check tide times before you go.

Kai Iwi Beach, Rapanui Road (14km west of Whanganui). West Coast beaches attract people who love the wildness and stark colours of the Tasman Sea. Whanganui has two main beaches: Castlecliff is just a few minutes drive from the town centre. Swimmers gravitate to the part near the shopping centre, which has become trendy since The Citadel opened. It’s a lovely spot for picnics and sculpture building from the mountains of driftwood washed down the Whanganui River. Fishers and surfers prefer the south end, where there is a regular swell. With that comes a warning: the beach has rips and holes. It’s patrolled in summer.

Kai Iwi Beach is 14km west of Whanganui. There’s a small permanent community and holiday baches, plus a camping ground. Children will love searching for fossils or making driftwood dragons. That’s when they are not running loose on the beach playground pirate ship, climbing frames and a flying fox. Grab some goodies from Ambrosia and share a picnic on the beach or reserve.