Kai Iwi Beach
A black-sand beach northwest of the city, where fossil shells can be seen in towering sandstone cliffs and driftwood covers the shore at sunset.
Kai Iwi Beach lies about 14 km northwest of Whanganui. Its black sand, formed from iron-rich sand, backs onto sandstone sea cliffs dozens of meters high. Layers of shell fossils a million years old are embedded in the cliffs, and at low tide you can walk along the beach for a close look. Waves here can be strong, so swimming is only safe during patrolled hours in summer. The beach is better suited to walking, collecting driftwood, and watching the sun set over the Tasman Sea. Nearby Castlecliff Beach is also known for its black sand and driftwood. You need a car to get here, and watch for falling rocks and tides at the base of the cliffs.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Bason Botanic Gardens
- Virginia Lake Reserve
- Whanganui Regional Museum
- Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui
- New Zealand Glassworks
- St Paul's Memorial Church, Putiki
- Whanganui River Traders Market
- PS Waimarie