Kakanui

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Kakanui is a small coastal town in Otago, New Zealand, about 14 kilometres south of Oamaru. The Kakanui River and its estuary split the town in two. The area north of the river used to be a busy port; the southern part, Kakanui South or Campbells Bay, has grown with holiday homes.

The land around Kakanui is known for limestone and fossils. The soil is rich and good for farming and for sport grounds, and there are many glasshouses growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and capsicums. Nearby market gardens grow a wide range of vegetables. The town is famous for its new-season potatoes.

Campbells Bay is Kakanui’s main beach, about two kilometres long, popular for surfing and swimming. The coastline has areas with different sands along its length.

Historically, Kakanui had a hotel, blacksmith, meat works, and post office and was a busy port. It declined after the railway moved inland and with the rise of the frozen-meat trade in the 1880s.

As of June 2025, Kakanui has about 440 residents and covers about 2 square kilometres. It is part of the Maheno statistical area. In 2018 the town had 402 people; most residents are European, with a small Māori community. About 60% reported no religion and around 30% were Christian. Education and income levels vary, with many people working in local agriculture and services.

The Kakanui Presbyterian Church is listed as a Category I heritage building. On some old maps the town appears as “Taranui,” but locals use the name Kakanui.