🏖️ Kowhai River Beach｜A quiet corner where the river and the sea meet

📍 Location and Access Located on the outskirts of Kaikoura, South Island, it's about a 5-minute drive from the city center. Parking is available near the river mouth. 📝 My Experience Kowhai River Beach is a unique stretch of coastline, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a vibrant blend of blue-gray and deep blue. The beach is mostly gravel and coarse sand, creating a crisp, earthy feel. It's not often visited by tourists; most are locals walking their dogs, jogging, or fishing. On clear days, the distant snow-capped mountains, the nearby waves, and the estuary flow combine to create a spectacular and tranquil scene. Occasionally, you can spot seabirds feeding on the reef, and you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins or seals from afar. My favorite time is dusk, when the setting sun casts its shadow across the river and onto the ocean, creating a vibrant interplay of golden light and waves that begs for more photos. Kowhai River Beach offers a quiet and tranquil spot near Kaikoura, free from commercial facilities and noise, yet allowing you to truly hear the dialogue between the sea and the river. #August2025