Karekare is a picturesque beach located on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand, just a short drive west of Auckland. It is a…
Best for you if…
Karekare is a strong pick for beach activities & hiking — plan about 3-5 days. Peak season: Summer.
Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 70/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈7.5 km span)
High season: Summer
Best months for lower-cost travel: May · June · July · August
Mild with occasional rain, temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C
Mild with occasional rain, temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C
Warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C
Cool with some rain, temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C
Karekare is a stunning beach located on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Surrounded by lush greenery and rugged cliffs, this secluded paradise offers a perfect escape from the bustling city life. Here's how you can reach Karekare:
Driving to Karekare is the most convenient option. From Auckland, take State Highway 16 towards the west. Follow the signs towards Bethells Beach and continue on Bethells Road until you reach Karekare. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, and you can enjoy the scenic beauty along the way.
If you prefer public transport, you can take a bus from Auckland to Piha, which is the nearest town to Karekare. From Piha, you can either hire a taxi or walk along the picturesque Hillary Trail to reach Karekare. The walk takes around 2-3 hours, but the breathtaking views make it worth the effort.
For a more luxurious and adventurous experience, you can choose to arrive at Karekare by helicopter. Several helicopter tour companies offer scenic flights from Auckland to Karekare, allowing you to enjoy aerial views of the stunning coastline before landing on the beach itself.
Once you reach Karekare, you'll be mesmerized by its untouched beauty and tranquility. Whether you want to relax on the golden sand, explore the nearby walking trails, or simply immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings, Karekare is a must-visit destination in New Zealand.
Karekare is a picturesque beach located on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand, just a short drive west of Auckland. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike due to its pristine black sand beach, rugged coastline, and lush native bushland.
One of the main attractions of Karekare is its stunning waterfall, which cascades down from the Waitakere Ranges into a deep emerald pool below. The falls can be accessed by a short but steep walk through the forest, and the views from the top are simply breathtaking.
For those looking for a bit of adventure, Karekare offers some of the best surfing opportunities in the region. The beach is a popular spot for surfers of all levels, and the rolling waves make it a great place for beginners to learn the ropes.
Aside from surfing, Karekare is also a great place to explore on foot. The area boasts several walking tracks that wind through the lush rainforest, providing stunning views of the coast and surrounding countryside.
All in all, Karekare is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New Zealand. The natural beauty of the area is truly unmatched, and the range of activities on offer make it a great place to spend a day or two exploring.
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
7 places mapped for this destination
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
~2.3 km · 3 places
~1.5 km · 2 places
~1.7 km · 3 places
~10.2 km · 6 places
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
~5.1 km path
~4.7 km path
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Karekare, New Zealand.
High season is typically Summer.
Travelers often find better value in May, June, July, August.
Karekare suits Beach activities, Hiking, Surfing, Picnicking.
A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.
Pack sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
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