Karekare Beach

Karekare Beach is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Auckland! Located on the west coast of Auckland between Piha Beach and Muriwai Beach, Karekare Beach is famous for its stunning views, black sand, and native birdlife. It's roughly an hour's drive from downtown Auckland, making it an ideal destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Karekare Beach is unspoilt and beautiful, with a deep Maori history and rugged beauty that have captured the attention of Hollywood productions. It gained popularity after its appearance in The Piano in 1993.

The beach offers visitors a one-of-a-kind playground with its unique features, including a river flowing from a spring-fed cascade to the sea that's encircled by a subtropical rainforest. Karekare Beach is also known for having some of the best surfing waves in the country, attracting avid surfers from all around. Swimming is also a popular activity, but it's important to stay between the flags and be aware of the conditions.

Karekare Beach offers stunning sunsets, and the black sand is perfect for digging holes and comfortable for sunbathing. For those who want to stretch their legs, you can walk along the beach or hike up to Karekare Falls (5-minute walk from the car park) or other nearby trails to experience something a little bit more active. Another highlight of Karekare is the ridge that separates it from Muriwai Beach. The steep hike is well worth the effort for the incredible views!

Karekare Beach is also home to an array of wildlife, including stunning sea lions! The beach and the falls are part of the Karekare Regional Park, which also includes a small campsite, several walking trails, and a few picnic areas (McCreeies Paddock Campground).