Discover why Karekare Beach is considered Auckland’s best coastal spot. A guide to the rugged landscape, film history, and essential safety tips.
Karekare Beach is one of the most dramatic and atmospheric stretches of coastline on New Zealand‘s North Island. Located on Auckland’s rugged west coast, it is part of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and lies just 35 kilometres from the city centre. With its black volcanic sand, striking cliffs, and remote feel, Karekare has long been a favourite for those seeking a wilder beach experience.
A beach with cinematic fame
Karekare gained international attention when it appeared in Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning film The Piano. Since then, its brooding landscape has drawn visitors eager to see where the famous scenes were filmed. Despite this fame, the beach remains relatively quiet compared to nearby Piha, making it ideal for those who prefer a more peaceful outing.
Five great things to do while you’re in Auckland
- Spot whales and dolphins on a half day Hauraki Gulf Marine Park cruise.
- Indulge in Waiheke Island’s finest produce on a food and wine tour.
- See the city from above at the top of the Auckland Sky Tower.
- Enjoy a sunset cruise on Auckland Harbour – with a three course dinner.
- Explore Auckland’s wild side – visiting the city’s black sand beaches and rainforest.
Wild scenery and atmosphere
The beach is framed by steep, forested cliffs and stretches of black sand that shimmer in the sunlight. It’s one of the most memorable places to visit in Auckland. The Tasman Sea here can be powerful, with strong waves and rips, so swimming is only recommended when lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. For most visitors, Karekare is best enjoyed as a place to walk, relax, and absorb the dramatic scenery.
Walking tracks and waterfalls
Karekare is not just about the beach. A short walk inland brings you to the delightful Karekare Falls, a cascade tucked into the bush that makes for excellent photo stops. There are also longer tracks connecting the beach with the wider Waitākere Ranges, offering opportunities to explore coastal forests and photo-friendly lookouts.
Peaceful alternative to Piha
While Piha tends to be the most popular beach on the west coast, many locals prefer Karekare for its quieter feel. There are no shops or cafés at the beach, so visitors should bring food and water with them. The relative lack of facilities adds to the sense of being far from the city, even though Auckland is less than an hour’s drive away.
Planning your visit
Karekare Beach is accessible via a narrow road off Piha Road. There is a car park near the beach, but spaces can be limited on sunny weekends. Karekare’s combination of rugged beauty, history, and walking opportunities tends to attract plenty of Aucklanders on their days off.
FAQs about Karekare Beach
- How far is Karekare Beach from Auckland? It is around 35 kilometres west of central Auckland, about a 45-minute drive.
- Is it safe to swim at Karekare? The surf can be dangerous, so swimming is only advised when lifeguards are on duty in summer.
- Are there facilities at the beach? There are toilets near the car park, but no shops or cafés, so bring supplies with you.
- What is Karekare Beach famous for? It featured in the film The Piano and is known for its black sand and dramatic cliffs.
- Can you walk to Karekare Falls? Yes, the falls are a short 10-minute walk from the car park.
Things to do near Karekare Beach
Karekare Falls – Just a short walk from the beach, this attractive waterfall is an easy addition to a visit and provides a change of scenery from the black-sand coast.
Piha Beach – Around 2.5 miles north of Karekare, Piha is another dramatic west-coast beach with black sand, surf and Lion Rock, making the two beaches easy to combine in a Waitākere day trip.
Kitekite Falls – Near Piha, this multi-level waterfall is reached by a walking track and is one of the area’s best-known natural attractions.
Arataki Visitor Centre – Around 20 minutes’ drive inland, this is the gateway to the Waitākere Ranges and has displays about the area’s Māori heritage, ecology and walking tracks, plus views across the ranges and harbour.
Whatipū Beach – South of Karekare, this similarly wild black-sand beach has dramatic cliffs, coastal walking and historic caves, although the access road is narrow and winding.
Alternative attractions
Piha Beach – The most obvious alternative to Karekare, Piha has the same combination of black sand, rugged west-coast scenery and powerful surf, but is generally more developed and busier.
Bethells Beach (Te Henga) – Around an hour’s drive north of Karekare, this broad black-sand beach has dunes, dramatic coastal scenery and access to Lake Wainamu, making it a strong alternative for a west-coast beach day.
Whatipū Beach – At the southern end of the Waitākere Ranges, Whatipū offers another remote-feeling black-sand beach backed by cliffs and dunes, with several walking routes nearby.
Muriwai Beach – Around an hour’s drive north, this long west-coast beach combines black sand and powerful surf with the Muriwai gannet colony, making it one of Auckland’s best alternatives for dramatic coastal scenery.
Waitākere Ranges Regional Park – The wider regional park is the best alternative if the main appeal of Karekare is its combination of rainforest, waterfalls, walking trails and rugged coastline. Large sections of the track network can be closed, so check current conditions before setting out.
More Auckland travel
Other Auckland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A first time visitor’s guide to Auckland.
- Tackling Auckland’s 16km Coast-to-Coast Walkway via One Tree Hill and Mount Eden.
- Sailing an Americas Cup yacht in Auckland.
- 7 memorable things to do in Auckland.
- Auckland’s islands: Guides to Tiritiri Matangi and the Rangitoto Island ferry.
