About | Karekare Beach
Karekare Beach is a spectacular and wild black sand beach, making it the perfect backdrop for the movie The Piano. It’s surrounded by huge cliffs, has a stream running through the middle of it, sand dunes to play on and so much to explore, it’s a child’s paradise.
Though Karekare is more remote and often overlooked, it still has most of the wild characteristics as it’s neighbours.
And just like the other west coast beaches, the road to get there is long and windy.
Though you may be able to easily find a parking spot outside of the warmer months, this beach can be packed during summer when people have time off and head straight to the beach. The car park fills, already narrow roads line with cars and that’s when the road gets pretty hectic. Some locals make the most of this and offer their front yards up for parking but with a price.
There are toilets at the beach parking. From there, walk along the creek to get to the beach. If it’s a hot day, expect the black sand to be the same. Put some shoes on or it’s going to be a very hot walk with some sore feet at the end.
The creek is a great, safe spot for the kids to play. Continue on and they’ll find some rocks to climb and some big sand dunes to slide down.
You’ll probably see a few surfers out, catching the waves, beach walkers and kids finding treasures in the sand or splashing by the creek.
There are some great walking tracks nearby, including the Karekare Falls and Zion Hill Track.
The beautiful Karekare Beach is a great place to enjoy with your family. Bring some beach toys, a picnic and come ready to explore.
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