Karekare Beach Auckland
A wild, dramatic black sand beach on Auckland's West Coast, known for rugged cliffs, powerful waves, and nearby Karekare Falls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Stunning stargazing opportunities
Karekare Beach Auckland
Best Time
Stunning stargazing opportunities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A wild, dramatic black sand beach on Auckland's West Coast, known for rugged cliffs, powerful waves, and nearby Karekare Falls.
"A hidden gem with dramatic cliffs and dark volcanic sand, truly a raw and untamed natural wonder."
🚗 Check Road Status First
Roads to Karekare are often closed due to damage. Always verify access before you go!
🎒 Pack Everything You Need
No shops or cafes here! Bring food, water, and sun protection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dramatic Black Sand Beach
Karekare Beach
Experience the raw beauty of dark volcanic sand meeting powerful ocean waves against a backdrop of rugged cliffs.
Karekare Falls
Short walk from the beach carpark
Discover a majestic 25m+ waterfall cascading into a natural plunge pool, a serene escape near the beach.
+1
Comans Track Views
Waitakere Ranges
Hike this track for spectacular elevated views overlooking Karekare Beach and the wild West Coast.
Planning Your Visit
Check Road Access Before You Go
Prepare for Limited Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Road Status First
Roads to Karekare are often closed due to damage. Always verify access before you go! +1
🎒 Pack Everything You Need
No shops or cafes here! Bring food, water, and sun protection.
🥾 Comans Track for Views
Enjoy breathtaking coastal vistas from this scenic hiking track.
🌌 Night Sky Magic
Experience incredible stargazing on clear nights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Road Status First
Roads to Karekare are often closed due to damage. Always verify access before you go! +1
🎒 Pack Everything You Need
No shops or cafes here! Bring food, water, and sun protection.
🥾 Comans Track for Views
Enjoy breathtaking coastal vistas from this scenic hiking track.
🌌 Night Sky Magic
Experience incredible stargazing on clear nights.
🌊 Dangerous Swells
Be extremely cautious if swimming; the waves are powerful and unpredictable.
💧 Karekare Falls Serenity
A short, rewarding walk to a beautiful waterfall.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Karekare Beach's stunning, wild beauty, particularly its unique black sand and dramatic cliffs. The nearby Karekare Falls and scenic hiking tracks like Comans Track are also highly praised. However, the challenging and often restricted road access is a significant drawback, and the lack of facilities requires visitors to come well-prepared.
"Very cool beach to stop by. Definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in the Auckland area. The road to get to it is a bit narrow and scary, but it’s well worth it. There was plenty of parking in the parking lot. I’d also recommend the Comans track if you like hiking."
Jacqueline Zwack
"It’s super clean! There’s no trash. Truly pristine. It’s so empty even on a Saturday. The water that enters the valley is nice is so clear! The shallow areas are surprisingly warm so it’s perfect for kids! There are plenty of lifeguards for those wanting to surf."
Rheddy Setgo
"A beautiful beach if you are looking to see it with family and friends."
Areena
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Historically, driving from Auckland takes about 45 minutes to an hour via Piha Road. However, due to recent weather damage, road access is frequently restricted or closed. Always check current road conditions and access points before attempting to drive. Public transport is very limited, and ride-sharing services like Uber are unlikely to be available from the beach. +2
Access to Karekare Beach and its surrounding roads has been severely impacted by recent weather events. Many roads are closed to the general public, with some closures potentially lasting over a year. It's crucial to check official Auckland Transport updates or local advisories for the most current information. +1
It is highly unlikely you will find an Uber or taxi readily available at Karekare Beach. Cellphone reception is often poor, making it difficult to book a ride. If you manage to get there, you may need to arrange transport in advance or consider hitchhiking, which carries significant risks, especially if you have a flight to catch. +1
If Karekare Beach is closed, consider visiting other West Coast beaches like Piha or Muriwai, though they may also have access issues. Alternatively, explore black sand beaches on the East Coast or the Awhitu Peninsula for a similar experience.
Access to Karekare Falls is often linked to the road access for the beach. If the main road is closed, it's unlikely you'll be able to reach the falls. Check local advisories for specific updates on waterfall access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Karekare Beach is a public park and does not have an entry fee. However, you may need to pay for parking in designated areas.
Karekare Beach is generally accessible at all times, as it's a natural public space. However, access may be restricted if roads are closed due to weather or maintenance.
No, tickets are not required for Karekare Beach as it is a natural attraction. Entry is free, but be aware of potential road closures that might prevent access.
Currently, the primary restriction is road access due to weather damage. Always check for official announcements regarding closures or 'residents only' access before visiting. +1
Swimming at Karekare Beach is generally not recommended due to strong currents and powerful waves. Lifeguards are present during peak season for surfers, but caution is advised for all water activities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy the dramatic black sand beach, explore rock pools at low tide, hike scenic tracks like Comans Track for stunning views, and visit the beautiful Karekare Falls.
While the beach itself has strong currents, the shallow areas can be warm and suitable for children. The nearby Karekare Falls and the general natural beauty offer a great family outing, provided road access is open.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty during the surf season to assist surfers and ensure safety in the water. However, they primarily focus on the surf breaks.
Karekare Beach is famous for its striking black volcanic sand, a result of ancient lava flows.
Yes, Comans Track is a popular hiking trail offering elevated views of Karekare Beach and the surrounding Waitakere Ranges. It's a moderate walk suitable for most fitness levels.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic contrast of black sand against white waves, the rugged cliffs, and the serene Karekare Falls. The elevated views from Comans Track also offer stunning panoramic shots.
Absolutely! On clear nights, Karekare Beach offers incredible opportunities for stargazing and astrophotography, far from city light pollution.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for the beach and cliffs. Midday can be harsh, but the black sand can create interesting contrasts. Clear nights are perfect for astrophotography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and cliffs. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light photography and capturing the waterfall. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the sand and sea.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and park rules. It's advisable to check with the Auckland Council or relevant authorities before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Important Note: Due to ongoing road closures and potential access restrictions, families should thoroughly check current conditions before planning a visit. If access is limited, consider alternative family-friendly beaches on Auckland's East Coast that may offer calmer waters and easier access.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Auckland
Visitors can spend time exploring the unique black sand beach, taking short walks to Karekare Falls, or hiking sections of the Comans Track for stunning coastal vistas. +1Crucial Advice: Given the frequent road closures, day-trippers must verify current access status before departing. Pack all necessities, as there are no facilities like shops or cafes. Be prepared for limited mobile reception and the potential need for pre-arranged transport if relying on services.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
The Karekare Falls provides a beautiful subject for waterfall photography, and the Comans Track delivers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. +1For astrophotographers, clear nights at Karekare are exceptional due to minimal light pollution, offering incredible stargazing opportunities.
Remember to pack appropriate gear, including wide-angle lenses and tripods, and be mindful of the unpredictable weather and tides. Always check for any drone usage regulations before flying. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Access Challenges
This lack of reliable road access also means that traditional transport options are severely limited. Ride-sharing services like Uber are rarely available, and even calling for a taxi can be difficult due to poor cellphone reception in the area.
Given these access issues, it's wise to have backup plans. If Karekare is inaccessible, consider exploring other West Coast beaches like Piha or Muriwai, though they may also face similar challenges. Alternatively, exploring black sand beaches on the East Coast or the Awhitu Peninsula can offer a comparable experience without the current access hurdles.
The Untamed Beauty of Karekare
The beach is framed by rugged cliffs and lush native bush, contributing to its remote and dramatic feel. Visitors often describe feeling like they are at the 'end of the world,' a sentiment that underscores its raw, natural charm.
Despite its wild nature, the beach offers moments of tranquility, especially during clear nights when the dark skies provide an exceptional canvas for stargazing, far from city light pollution. Beyond the main beach, the area boasts the beautiful Karekare Falls, a majestic waterfall cascading into a natural plunge pool, accessible via a short, rewarding walk.
+1 For those seeking elevated perspectives, the Comans Track offers breathtaking panoramic views of the beach and the surrounding Waitakere Ranges, making it a popular choice for hikers and photographers alike. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit