Maraekai Beach

Maraekai Beach is a hidden gem on the Kaikōura Coast, offering a wild and remote stretch of black sand and driftwood-strewn shore. This untamed beach is backed by rugged cliffs and native bush, with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. It’s a place for solitude, storm watching, and feeling the raw power of the Pacific Ocean.

Highlights & What to See

• Wild Black Sand Beach: Walk the long, empty beach where black sand meets turquoise waves, with driftwood sculptures and sea caves to explore at low tide.
• Marine Wildlife: Keep an eye out for fur seals basking on the rocks, and occasionally dolphins or whales offshore. The area is part of the Kaikōura marine mammal corridor.
• Maraekai Falls: A short walk through native forest leads to a picturesque waterfall that cascades directly onto the beach – a perfect photo op.
• Picnic & Sunset Spot: The beach is ideal for a quiet picnic; sunset paints the sky over the mountains in shades of orange and pink.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours here, combining the beach walk with the Maraekai Falls track. If you’re a keen photographer or simply want to soak up the solitude, allow half a day. The beach is best visited at low tide for easier walking and access to sea caves.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hanmer Springs: Soak in the famous thermal pools after a day on the coast – just a 30-minute drive inland.
• Kaikōura: Head north for whale watching, seal swimming, and the stunning Kaikōura Peninsula walkway (about 45 minutes by car).
• Waiau Ferry Bridge: A historic one-lane bridge over the Waiau River, perfect for a photo stop and a short walk.
• Mount Lyford: In winter, this ski field offers slopes with views of the Pacific; in summer, hiking and mountain biking trails abound.

Please check official sources for current details.