Tūtakahikura is a beach located on the Otago coast, just north of Moeraki and Dunedin. It is part of a coastal area historically known as the Bottom Kaik or Kaik 2, accessible via a small dirt road that branches off Lighthouse Road near Moeraki Marae. This road leads past a few weathered cribs down to the coast. The beach is one of a pair, with Kawa beach being the other, forming twin beaches that face the open sea. The area is characterized by its exposure to the roaring sea, with a shoreline that includes beautiful little bays with sandy stretches. The overall vibe is quiet and contemplative, with a significant historical and cultural presence. Tūtakahikura was once a major Kāi Tahu settlement from the 1830s onward, and the surrounding hills contain urupā (burial grounds) and the remnants of past communities. For paddlers, this means a launch into open coastal waters with direct exposure to ocean swells and weather. The landscape is rolling hills, and wildlife includes abundant seabirds and a notable population of rabbits on the hillsides. The historical significance is profound, as this was a key site for cultural contact and a refuge for Ngāi Tahu following conflicts, with landmarks like the old Uenuku hall and a weatherboard church located up the hill.