Kaikoura Beach

A good beach for families however limited facilities and can be dangerous in poor conditions.

Swimming is possible on the entire stretch of this beach, however most people tend to swim towards the southern end as it has more sand, a more gentle incline into the ocean and less swell reaching the shore due to the protection from the southern headland. Elsewhere along the beach swimmers need to be aware of the rocks in the bay and the rip currents associated around them. The steep incline into the ocean means in large seas the undertow can be strong. Swimming is safest under one metre of surf. Kaikoura beach is not patrolled by a Surf Life Saving club.

The main beach is not a popular spot for surfing in Kaikoura as the steep incline into the ocean means swell tends to dump on the shoreline. However there are a number of excellent surfing locations on the Kaikoura coastline with some excellent point and beach breaks. One example is Mangamaunu, 16 kilometres north of Kaikoura which is a very good, consistent right point break, offshore in southwest to northwest winds. It is good on all tides.

Kaikoura is well known for its seafood. Offshore fishing is best in this area, although surfcasting off the beach and rocky headlands is possible. There are numerous reefs in the bay where Kaikouras famous crayfish are captured.