Kakanui
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The small town of Kakanui lies on the coast of Otago, in New Zealand, fourteen kilometres to the south of Oamaru. The Kakanui River and its estuary divide the township in two. The part of the settlement south of the river, also known as Taranui (or Kakanui South, formerly "Campbells Bay"), developed as a collection of cribs (holiday homes).
The name "Kakanui" may also apply to the Kakanui River, which reaches the sea near the town, and to the low range known as the Kakanui Mountains, which stretch inland from south of Oamaru towards the Maniototo. Kai Tahu used to temporarily occupy Kakanui as they travelled north and south, as evidenced by the midden on the north side of the estuary.
The area around Kakanui has a reputation for its limestone formations, and produces many fossils. Quarrying formerly took place. The rich and fertile soil of the area around the river has physical properties which make it perfect for use in sports grounds, especially cricket pitches. Many of New Zealands's top cricket venues use Kakanui soil on their wicket blocks.
Beaches
Kakanui's main beach stretches south from the headland at Taranui. The Taranui end, known as Campbell's Bay, provides the first surfable break and the first safe swimming beach (apart from Timaru's Caroline Bay) south of Banks Peninsula. The beach has a length of approximately two kilometres, and the southern end, known as All Day Bay, offers more shelter than the northern end, but with less surf. The shingle beach north of the river mouth stretching toward Oamaru is not swimmable. The beaches in the area feature orange sand.
Horticulture
Kakanui's rich volanic soil suits intensive horticulture. The township contains a number of glasshouses, primarily used for growing tomatoes, but also producing cucumbers and capsicums (bell peppers). Land surrounding the settlement (especially to the north towards the settlement of Totara) also features market gardens (often operated by Chinese New Zealanders) growing a wide range of vegetables. Kakanui has a particular reputation for its new-season potatoes, which sell throughout New Zealand.
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