The crystal-clarity and whitesand shorelines of the Kai-Iwi lakes are remarkably Caribbean-esque. These three lakes are “dune” lakes—enclosed by petrified dunes just 2km in from the Tasman Sea. The biggest lake, Taharoa, is the most user-friendly. Come to play—swim, fish, boat, float, waterski, windsurf, kayak, snorkel…everything goes! After New Year’s, when the park empties and the sunshine returns (ha), the huge whitesand beach at “The Pines” will dazzle. Go for an exploratory walk along the 3km shoreline track and surely you’ll find a little sandy cove to yourself…or keep going and climb over the hill to visit Lake Waikare. Lake Waikare, also just a short drive past Taharoa, is popular on weekends with water-skiers, but on weekdays a short walk will reveal swimmable sandy solitude.
A little-known “secret” is the marked track over to the Tasman Sea which begins on the road near Lake Waikare and crosses the fenced pastures heading west. The 25-minute walk has stiles aplenty…but once on the beach you’re the one who’ll be stylin’! Descend the final steps onto a big smile—a deserted beach, colored sandstone, and a 4m waterfall cascading into a sandy grotto. Oh Joy…doff your togs, roll in the sand, splash in the waves, then kiss your sweetie under the rinsing waterfall before traipsing back (careful, occasionally cars motor up 21km from Baylys Beach, but not often).
