Kaupokonui Beach, South Taranaki

Nutshell 

• Location: Kaupokonui, South Taranaki
• Access: Kaupokonui Campground, travelling west from Manaia on SH45, turn left onto Lower Glenn road and then a right onto Kaupokonui Heads road and the campgorund is at the end.
• Highlights/Features: If you are driving along the surf highway, this little gem is well worth the stop, with surfing, camping and swimming in both river and sea all on offer. Picnic riverside or cross the bridge and follow the river out to the rugged ocean, take a stroll down the black sand beach filled with copious amounts of driftwood, rocks and pebbles. As you get past the sand dunes the stunning cliffs tower over the beach and the exposed stratigraphy (rock layers) tells the story of how the land has been built up over millions of years 🌋.
• Notes: There are picnic tables and public toilets at the car park below the campground. This beach faces south so in winter be prepared for wind, take a rain jacket, warm clothing and a hat to protect your ears is always a good idea.