Karekare Beach on Auckland’s west coast is the wildest and least developed of the famous west-coast trio (Piha, Karekare, Bethells) — a long black-sand beach below towering volcanic cliffs, accessed via a steep narrow road through the Waitākere Ranges. Made famous internationally as the setting for Jane Campion’s 1993 film The Piano. Swim only between the flags — Karekare’s conditions are as dangerous as Piha’s.
Practical Information
| Address | Karekare Road, west coast Auckland, Waitākere Ranges |
| From central Auckland | ~45 km — about 1 hr 10 min drive via Piha Road and Karekare Road |
| Type | Open Tasman Sea black sand beach |
| Conditions | Powerful surf, strong rip currents — patrolled flags only |
| Lifeguarding | Karekare Surf Life Saving Club patrols in summer |
| Facilities | Toilets, surf club kiosk in summer; no village or shops |
| Nearby | Karekare Falls (5 min walk from car park) |
| Parking | Free; limited spaces in the car park behind the beach |
| Cost | Free public beach |
About Karekare
Karekare is the most remote of the famous west coast beaches — accessed via a narrow winding road from Piha that climbs over a saddle then descends into the Karekare valley. The beach itself sits between towering volcanic cliffs at the southern end and the Karekare headland at the northern end, with the Karekare Stream meandering across the black sand to meet the sea. The beach gained international recognition through The Piano (1993) — Jane Campion’s Palme d’Or-winning film used Karekare extensively for its remote and dramatic west coast settings.
Swimming Safety
Karekare’s conditions match Piha’s — open Tasman Sea, powerful swells, strong rip currents, sandbar-driven currents that change daily. Always swim between the red and yellow flags when the Karekare Surf Life Saving Club is patrolling in summer. The Karekare Stream mouth and the rocky northern headland present additional hazards beyond the standard surf risks. Outside the patrolled area, outside summer, or outside patrol hours, swimming at Karekare is not recommended unless you are a strong, experienced surf swimmer.
Karekare Falls and Wider Walks
The car park behind Karekare Beach is also the trailhead for Karekare Falls — a 30 m waterfall just 5 minutes’ walk from the parking area through native bush. The falls drop into a pool at the base; swimming in the pool is sometimes possible but check the Auckland Council Safeswim site for current water quality. Longer walks from Karekare include the climb up to the Comans Track ridge (which connects to the Mercer Bay Loop), and the historic Pohutukawa Glade Walk through the surrounding bush. The Karekare area is rich in walking options for visitors wanting more than just the beach.
Where to Learn More
Surf Life Saving NZ — patrol schedules and beach-safety information.
Karekare Surf Life Saving Club — local club with patrol schedules.
Safeswim — Karekare — real-time water-quality and safety service.
Auckland NZ — Karekare Beach — official visitor information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Karekare from central Auckland?
Drive via Piha Road then turn off onto Karekare Road — narrow winding road through the Waitākere Ranges. About 1 hr 10 min total.
Is Karekare safe for swimming?
Only between the patrolled flags in summer. Otherwise it’s one of NZ’s most dangerous beaches — strong rip currents, powerful Tasman swells.
What’s the connection to The Piano film?
Jane Campion’s 1993 Palme d’Or-winning film used Karekare extensively for its remote west coast scenes — including the opening beach scenes with the piano on the sand.
Can I walk to Karekare Falls?
Yes — 5 minutes from the car park through native bush. Easy walk, suitable for families.
Are there facilities?
Toilets, surf club kiosk in summer. No village, no shops — bring food and water.
What’s the parking like?
Limited car park behind the beach. Arrive early on summer weekends.
For more west coast beaches see Beaches in Auckland — including Piha Beach and the nearby Mercer Bay Loop Track.