Last updated October 2026
Kai Iwi Beach, also called Mowhanau, is a black-sand surf beach 14 km west of Whanganui, reached via Rapanui Road. Whanganui District Council lists fishing among its main uses, along with swimming, camping and barbecues, and it is patrolled by lifeguards in summer.
The Kai Iwi Stream crosses the beach beside the reserve, and steep cliffs line the shore either side. The council asks everyone to keep well clear of the cliffs, which are prone to slipping.
At a Glance
- Location
- Mowhanau, via Rapanui Road, 14 km west of Whanganui
- Water
- Tasman Sea, open west coast
- Main species
- Kahawai and gurnard; occasional snapper
- Facilities
- Car park, playground, wood-burning barbecues and camping
- Lifeguards
- Patrolled in summer
- Hazards
- Cliffs prone to slipping; open-coast surf
- Dogs
- Different rules north and south of the Kai Iwi Stream; check council
- Tide port
- Whanganui River Entrance (LINZ)
- Rules
- MPI Central
- Licence
- None needed for sea fishing
- Low 4:36 am 0.7 m
- High 10:29 am 2.8 m
- Low 4:48 pm 0.7 m
- High 10:41 pm 2.8 m
Best times today: around 4:36 am, 10:29 am, 4:48 pm and 10:41 pm (2 hours either side of each tide change), and around 12:19 am and 11:56 am (moon overhead and underfoot).
Moving water around the tide changes usually fishes best. Full 7-day Whanganui tides ›
Predictions only; actual tides vary with weather.
About Kai Iwi Beach
Mowhanau is a small settlement where the Kai Iwi Stream reaches the sea. From above, Mowhanau Drive and Sunset Parade lead down to a reserve beside the stream mouth, and a dark-sand beach runs away both ways beneath steep cliffs, with surf breaking all along it.
The cliffs are soft and eroding. The council’s beach page asks people to keep well clear of them because they are prone to slipping, which matters if you set up at the base to get out of the wind.
Ototoka Beach, a little further north-west at the end of Ototoka Beach Road, is another spot the council lists as popular for swimming and fishing, with fossil cliffs.
How to Fish Kai Iwi Beach
Where and when
Walk along from the reserve, away from the swimmers by the patrol flags, and look for gutters and holes in the surf. Moving water around the tide changes usually fishes better than slack water. Fish from the open beach, not the base of the cliffs.
What to catch and what to use
- Kahawai: lures or cut bait in the surf.
- Gurnard: a bait such as mullet or pilchard fished on the bottom beyond the first breakers.
- Snapper: an occasional catch on this coast.
- Stream mouth: trout in the Kai Iwi Stream and its mouth fall under Fish & Game rules and need a licence.
What to bring
A surf rod, sinkers heavy enough for the west coast surf, bait bought in Whanganui, and warm clothes for the wind. Ask at a local tackle shop what has been caught recently.
Getting There and Facilities
- Driving: take Rapanui Road west from Whanganui, about 14 km, to Mowhanau.
- Facilities: a car park, playground, wood-burning barbecues and camping by the beach.
- Lifeguards: the beach is patrolled in summer. Fish well away from the flags.
- Dogs: rules differ north and south of the Kai Iwi Stream and were under review in 2026. Check the council’s dog access page.
- More: for swimming, the cliffs and the coastal trail, see our Kai Iwi Beach guide.
Rules and Safety
- Sea fishing here follows MPI’s Central area rules. No licence is needed.
- Under Fish & Game Taranaki rules, the Kai Iwi Stream and its mouth out to 500 m count as freshwater, and the standard 1 October to 30 April season applies to trout.
- Keep well clear of the cliffs, which are prone to slipping.
- This is an exposed west coast beach with rips and heavy surf. Get swell and wind forecasts from MetService and do not wade out.
- Horizons tests the water here weekly in summer; check LAWA before swimming.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Whanganui, 64 Carlton Avenue, Whanganui.
Find Out More
Whanganui District Council: beaches: Kai Iwi facilities, patrols and the cliff warning.
MPI Central fishing rules: size limits, daily limits and net rules.
Common Questions
Where is Kai Iwi Beach?
At Mowhanau, 14 km west of Whanganui via Rapanui Road.
Can you fish at Kai Iwi Beach?
Yes. The council lists fishing among the beach’s main uses.
What can you catch?
Kahawai and gurnard, with the occasional snapper.
Is the beach patrolled?
Yes, in summer. Fish away from the flagged swimming area.
Are the cliffs dangerous?
Yes. The council says they are prone to slipping, so keep well clear of them.
Can I bring my dog?
Rules differ north and south of the Kai Iwi Stream. Check the council’s current dog rules.
Do I need a licence?
Not for sea fish. You need a Fish & Game licence to fish for trout in the stream or its mouth.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Tides today: Tide predictions: LINZ (CC BY 3.0 NZ).