Last updated July 2026
Karekare Falls is a 30-metre waterfall on Company Stream in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, a short walk from Karekare Beach on Auckland’s west coast. The easy track takes about five minutes one way through native bush to a plunge pool that is popular for a cooling dip when conditions allow. Visitors often combine the falls with the dramatic black-sand beach for a half-day outing. The area is the traditional lands of Te Kawerau ā Maki, who know the falls as Te Ahoaho.
Practical Information
| Location | Karekare, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, west Auckland |
| From central Auckland | Approximately 37 km; 40–60 minutes drive via Piha Road then Karekare Road |
| Walk distance and time | Short track, about 5 minutes one way / 10 minutes return to the base |
| Difficulty | Easy; short bush track with some stairs |
| Falls height | 30 m |
| Swimming | Plunge pool at base (conditions-dependent); check Safeswim |
| Parking | Free but limited at Karekare Beach car park (toilets, picnic area) or roadside near the falls on Lone Kauri Road / Karekare Road |
| Dogs | Not permitted on the falls track or most Waitākere Ranges tracks and sensitive areas |
| Cost | Free |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for wheelchairs or standard prams/strollers due to stairs |
About Karekare Falls
Karekare Falls drops 30 metres as a single main cascade (horsetail type) on Company Stream, a tributary that joins the Karekare Stream near the beach. The falls sit just inland from Karekare Beach within Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. The short track passes through regenerating coastal forest with pōhutukawa, nīkau palms and other native species, and visitors often notice the smaller Opal Pool Stream Cascade near the start of the path.
Traditionally known to Te Kawerau ā Maki as Te Ahoaho (likened to white muka flax fibres), the falls are also sometimes called Te Rere. The surrounding landscape forms part of the ancient Waitākere Volcano remnant, with the black-sand beach and headlands shaped by volcanic and coastal processes. The area has a long history of Māori settlement, including cultivations and pā sites, and later European milling and farming.
The falls and beach gained wider fame as filming locations. Karekare Beach featured prominently in Jane Campion’s film The Piano, and the falls appeared in television series such as Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Today the site remains one of the most accessible waterfall walks in the Waitākere Ranges, ideal for families and those seeking a quick nature escape from Auckland.
Access beyond the base of the falls via the Taraire Track has been closed for many years to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease. Visitors should use cleaning stations where provided and stay on formed tracks.
The Short Walk to the Falls
From the Karekare Beach car park, walk a short distance along the road or follow signs toward the falls track. Alternatively, park roadside near the top of the waterfall on Lone Kauri Road / Karekare Road where the track begins. The path is well-formed and descends gently through bush, reaching a viewing area and the base pool in about five minutes. There are stairs at the start, so the track is not suitable for wheelchairs or standard prams, though many families with young children manage it easily on foot.
The return walk is typically 10 minutes. Allow extra time for photos, exploring the pool edges carefully, or continuing a short distance to the beach. The track is open year-round, but check Auckland Council’s track status map for any temporary closures after storms or for maintenance. Footwear with good grip is recommended as rocks and steps can be slippery when wet.
Swimming at Karekare Falls
The plunge pool at the base of the falls is a popular summer swimming and wading spot. It is relatively small and bush-fringed, offering a refreshing dip with the waterfall as a backdrop rather than a large swimming area. Water quality is monitored via Safeswim under the Karekare Waterfall location; check the latest forecast before entering the water.
Conditions vary. After heavy rain the stream can become discoloured with sediment and flow more powerfully, making swimming unsafe. Rocks under the surface and slippery boulders around the edges require care. The pool is unsupervised. Many visitors treat it as a quick cool-down rather than a long swim. Always assess the flow and depth yourself, and supervise children closely.
Karekare Beach and Combining Your Visit
Karekare Beach is a wide black-sand surf beach immediately adjacent to the falls, split by the Karekare Stream into sections including Tāhoro / Union Bay to the north. It is known for its dramatic cliffs, dunes, and powerful Tasman Sea waves. The beach was a key location for The Piano and remains a favourite for photography, walking, and picnics.
Swimming at the beach is hazardous due to strong and shifting rips. Always swim between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty. Karekare Surf Life Saving Club patrols on weekends and public holidays from Labour Weekend to Easter, with additional paid patrol hours in peak summer. Outside patrol times, or if no flags are flying, treat the water as high risk. Check Safeswim for real-time water quality, weather, and safety information for Karekare Beach.
A typical half-day combines the short falls walk first (shaded and cool), then time on the beach for a walk, picnic, or supervised swim. Both share the same limited parking. Arrive early on fine summer weekends as spaces fill quickly and the access road is narrow. Facilities at the beach car park include toilets (some with limited mobility access) and picnic areas. There are no shops at Karekare, so bring food, water, and sun protection.
Access, Parking and Practical Tips
Drive west from Auckland toward Piha, then turn onto Karekare Road. The sealed road is winding and can be busy. Parking is free but constrained: the main beach car park has toilets and picnic space, while a smaller roadside option sits closer to the falls track. Do not block driveways or park on private land. Overflow parking along the road is common but can create congestion.
Dogs are not permitted on the Karekare Falls track or most tracks and sensitive areas within Waitākere Ranges Regional Park due to biosecurity (kauri dieback) and wildlife protection rules. Check the latest Auckland Council dog access maps before visiting, as rules can vary by beach section and season. Clean all footwear and gear at cleaning stations to help protect kauri.
The area can be exposed to strong winds and sudden weather changes. Carry layers, and be prepared for limited mobile coverage in places. Respect private property and dune systems; stay on formed paths where marked.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors frequently praise the falls as one of the easiest and most rewarding short waterfall walks near Auckland. Many note the beautiful setting, the chance for a quick swim in the pool on warm days, and how well it pairs with time on the black-sand beach. The short distance makes it ideal for families or those with limited time.
Common practical comments include limited parking that fills early on sunny weekends, the need for care on slippery rocks around the pool, and reminders that the beach has strong rips so swimming should stay between the flags. People also appreciate the peaceful atmosphere compared with busier west-coast spots.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council – Karekare, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park: Official park information, facilities, track status updates, and current conditions.
Safeswim: Real-time water quality and swimming condition forecasts for Karekare Beach and Karekare Waterfall.
AucklandNZ – Karekare Falls: Tourism overview with access notes and nearby attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk to Karekare Falls?
About five minutes one way or 10 minutes return on an easy track with some stairs.
Can you swim at Karekare Falls?
Yes, there is a small plunge pool at the base that is popular in summer when conditions are suitable. Check Safeswim for water quality and avoid after heavy rain.
Is Karekare Beach safe for swimming?
The beach has strong rips. Swim only between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty (mainly summer weekends and holidays). Always check Safeswim.
Where do I park for Karekare Falls?
Free parking is available at the Karekare Beach car park (toilets and picnic area) or roadside near the falls track. Spaces are limited; arrive early on busy days.
Are dogs allowed at Karekare Falls or the beach?
Dogs are not permitted on the falls track or most Waitākere Ranges tracks. Check current Auckland Council dog access rules for any beach sections before visiting.
Is the track suitable for prams or wheelchairs?
No. Stairs at the start make it unsuitable for wheelchairs and standard prams or strollers.
How far is Karekare Falls from central Auckland?
Roughly 37 km and a 40–60 minute drive depending on traffic and route.
Why is the track above the falls closed?
The Taraire Track beyond the base has been closed for years to help stop the spread of kauri dieback disease. Stay on open formed tracks and clean footwear.
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