Coastal erosion sees Mowhanau Lookout carpark close

Published on 11 April 2026

Ongoing coastal erosion has required Whanganui District Council to permanently close the Mowhanau Lookout carpark on Sunset Parade at Kai Iwi Beach (Mowhanau).

The council has been monitoring coastal erosion at this freedom camping site, positioned on a clifftop overlooking the ocean, for some time. Recent changes to the cliff face confirm the risk has increased and an expert assessment has found the area is no longer safe for public use.

Council operations manager regulatory and compliance, Jason Shailer, says the decision reflects a commonsense approach.

“This will make sense to locals who know the area well. We’ve been keeping a close eye on erosion here and people’s safety comes first,” he says.

The closure applies to all vehicles accessing the clifftop area between the upper beach access walkway and a point approximately 110 metres north-west along Sunset Parade.

Existing fencing is already in place along parts of the clifftop, with additional barriers to be installed approximately 10 metres back from the edge. Signs will be added to clearly mark the restricted area. Part of the loop turnaround area is also affected, and the council is assessing whether it can be safely realigned or will need to be permanently closed.

“Kai Iwi Beach remains a fantastic place to visit for locals and visitors alike, and freedom campers continue to be well catered for with a number of high quality freedom camping locations across the district,” Shailer says.

You can learn more about Whanganui’s freedom camping areas on our website.