Kai Iwi is a rural community west of Whanganui in New Zealand's North Island.

It lies close to SH 3, approximately halfway between Whanganui and Waitotara.

The population centre is at Kai Iwi Beach, also called Mowhanau.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 61.7% had no religion, and 36.2% were Christian.

[10] The Kai Iwi area has three artesian bores that are a major source of drinking water for Whanganui.

[11] Bushy Park Tarapuruhi is a protected native forest reserve and bird sanctuary located 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) inland from Kai Iwi on State Highway 3.

The reserve has an area of approximately 100 hectares (250 acres), and includes a homestead that is a Category 1 listed historic place.