The small town of Kakanui lies on the coast of Otago, in New Zealand, fourteen kilometres to the south of Oamaru. The Kakanui River and its estuary divide the township in two. The part of the settlement south of the river, also known as Kakanui South, formerly "Campbells Bay", was developed as a collection of cribs. A recent increase in the development of subdivisions has increased the density of dwellings within South Kakanui. The population was 372 people in the 2013 New Zealand census, a decrease of 42 from 2006. The Kakanui River reaches the sea near the town, and the low range known as the Kakanui Mountains stretches inland from south of Oamaru towards the Maniototo. Kai Tahu used to temporarily occupy Kakanui as they travelled north and south, as evidenced by the midden on the north side of the estuary. The area around Kakanui has a reputation for its limestone formations, and produces many fossils. Quarrying formerly took place. The rich and fertile soil of the area around the river has physical properties which make it perfect for use in sports grounds, especially cricket pitches. Many of New Zealand's top cricket venues use Kakanui soil on their wicket blocks.
Beaches
Kakanui's main beach, south of the main headland, is known as Campbell's Bay. It provides the first surfable break and the first safe swimming beach south of Banks Peninsula. The beach has a length of approximately two kilometres, and the southern end, known as All Day Bay, offers more shelter than the northern end, but with less surf. The sandy beach below the shingle spit north of the river mouth stretching toward Oamaru is safely swimmable. The beaches south of the main headland feature orange sand. The northern beach has white sand.
Horticulture
Kakanui's rich volcanic soil suits intensive horticulture. The township contains a number of glasshouses, primarily used for growing tomatoes, but also producing cucumbers and capsicums. Land surrounding the settlement also features market gardens growing a wide range of vegetables. Kakanui has a particular reputation for its new-season potatoes, which sell throughout all New Zealand.
History
Kakanui was once a bustling port on the northern side of the river, with a hotel, blacksmith, meat works, and a post office. Kakanui's commerce declined after the construction of the railway inland and with the advent of the frozen-meat trade from 1882.
Naming error
Kakanui is often named on maps as "Taranui". However, this name is not in use locally, nor is it evident on road signs. "Taranui" may be a naming error from early maps referring to a station farm of that name, located slightly inland from Kakanui.
