Kairakau is a little bit different to other Central Hawke’s Bay beaches - the settlement is tucked in under big looming cliffs, and the beach peeks out to greet you as you drive in past the Lagoon.
Kairakau has a close beach community with long term residents as well as a very popular camping ground and great parking for day trippers. Swimming, surfcasting, diving, or just sitting and soaking up the sun.
At low tide its worth taking a walk to ‘Waterfall Bay’ at the north end of the beach to see the waterfall, and if you are interested in fishing, there’s a highly contested fishing competition each year too.