Since water quality sampling for summer recreation started at Kakanui Estuary in 2015, this site was suitable for swimming 91% of the time. After calm weather, it is generally suitable for swimming, but our data tells us that after heavy rainfall, when river flows are high, or when the estuary mouth closes in, this site suffers from higher bacteria concentrations from run-off entering the water and not being able to flush out the poor water.

We recommend you stay out of the water for 48 hours after heavy rain.

Did you know there used to be a port here? It was abolished in 1886 after sea damage wrecked the harbour. Nowadays, Kakanui is a great holiday home destination, with the river and estuary dividing the township in two.

Last updated September 2021.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Kakanui Estuary and 8,000 other beaches.