Onekakara is a bay and beach on the northern side of the Moeraki Peninsula in Otago, near the present-day village of Moeraki. This area is the historical site of a whaling station established in 1836. The beach forms part of a continuous coastal stretch that includes Moeraki Beach to the south and Koekohe Beach, which is known for the famous Moeraki Boulders. Paddlers launching from Onekakara Beach have direct access to this coastline, with the southern boundary of the bay marked by a headland at its eastern edge. The area is part of a proposed shellfish closure covering waters out to 500 metres offshore from near the Moeraki Boulders walk south to this headland, which would restrict the taking of shellfish but does not prohibit paddling. The nearshore environment along this coast is characterized by coastal fisheries waters. The beach walk from Moeraki to the Moeraki Boulders passes near Onekakara, indicating it is a recognized coastal access point within this scenic area.