Driving from Waikouaiti to Karitane in Otago New Zealand

Categories: Otago Region

Tags: 4k, dashcam, driving, karitane, new zealand, otago, road trip, scenic, scenic drive, waikouaiti

Added: 2 years ago

Driving from Waikouaiti to Karitane, in the Otago region on the East Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

Waikouaiti is a rural community about a thirty minutes drive north of Dunedin. To the east is the Hawksbury Lagoon Wildlife Refuge which provides an ideal habitat for birds, particularly wetland species. An easy walk around the lagoon leads to Waikouaiti Beach which stretches between two headlands, Cornish Head to the north where you can visit the oldest farm buildings in New Zealand at Matanaka Historic Farm, and to the south Huriawa Peninsula, a historic Māori pā site.

In the main street you’ll find an eclectic array of shops. There's the boutique sized Waikouaiti Coast Heritage Centre housed in the former Bank of New Zealand, and built in 1869 during the Gold Rush. The Oddity Second Hand shop - a family owned business housed in an 1870s building complete with a tiny attic room. Next door at The Green Room you’ll find contemporary handmade New Zealand homeware and jewellery including designer clothing and baby gifts.

The small seaside town of Karitane is set in rolling country near the mouth of the Waikouaiti River, and is a popular holiday retreat for Dunedin people.The little town is renowned for its scenic beauty, golden beach, tranquil environment, and Maori and European history. It was the location of a pre-European Maori kaik (undefended village); close by is the site of Huriawa Pa, a fortified Maori village strategically set on a rock promontory above the coast. European sealers and whalers began to arrive as early as the 1820s and a whaling station was established at Karitane in 1837.

Today, the town is a base for various ocean activities, including kayaking and fishing charters. A walk along the beach and the walkways of the Huriawa Penninsula will often provide encounters with fur seals or sea lions, as well as the wide range of sea birds.

To the keen surfer, the Dunedin coast offers uncrowded beaches with plenty of beach breaks. There is a consistent swell, white sand and clear waters. Karitane is described as Dunedin's 'big wave' spot - not for the inexperienced surfer.