Last updated June 2026
Karekare Falls is a 30 m waterfall in the Waitākere Ranges just behind Karekare Beach — accessed via a 5-minute walk from the beach car park. Easy short walk with a swimming pool at the base when conditions allow, plus the option to combine with Karekare Beach itself for a half-day west-coast outing.
Practical Information
| Location | Karekare, west coast Auckland, Waitākere Ranges |
| From central Auckland | ~45 km — about 1 hr 10 min drive via Karekare Road |
| Distance | Around 10 minutes return; 5 min one way to the falls |
| Difficulty | Easy — short bush walk, well-formed track |
| Falls height | ~30 m drop |
| Swimming | Pool at the base — conditions-dependent |
| Combined with | Karekare Beach immediately adjacent |
| Parking | Free at Karekare Beach car park; limited spaces |
| Dogs | Not permitted — Waitākere Ranges biosecurity |
| Cost | Free |
About Karekare Falls
Karekare Falls drops about 30 m over a single bluff in the Pohutukawa Stream catchment just behind Karekare Beach — one of the shortest waterfall walks in the Waitākere Ranges and consistently popular as an easy add-on to a Karekare Beach visit. The track leaves the beach car park and follows a level bush path through native forest including pōhutukawa, kohekohe and nikau, reaching the falls in about 5 minutes. The pool at the base is small but deep enough for a cooling swim in summer.
Combining With Karekare Beach
The standard day-out combines Karekare Falls with the beach itself — drive in, walk to the falls first (cool and shaded), then head onto the dramatic black-sand beach. The beach is one of Auckland’s most cinematic locations (used heavily in Jane Campion’s The Piano) but swimming is dangerous outside the patrolled flags in summer. Many visitors combine the easy falls walk with a beach walk and picnic for a relaxed half-day. Both are accessed from the same Karekare car park.
Swimming at the Base Pool
The pool at the base of Karekare Falls is a popular summer swim spot — clear, bush-fringed, with the falls as the backdrop. Conditions-dependent: avoid swimming after heavy rain when the stream carries sediment and the falls are in flood; check Auckland Council’s Safeswim service for current water quality. The pool is small — it suits a refreshing dip rather than proper swimming. Watch for rocks under the surface and slippery boulders at the edges.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Karekare Falls Track — official walking-track page with current condition.
AllTrails — Karekare Falls — GPS route and recent walker reviews.
Safeswim — Karekare — real-time water-quality monitoring.
Kauri Protection — kauri dieback information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk?
About 10 minutes return — 5 min one way to the falls.
Can I swim at the falls?
Yes when conditions allow — small clear pool at the base. Avoid after heavy rain.
Can I combine it with Karekare Beach?
Yes — both share the same car park. The falls walk takes 10 min return; the beach is right there.
Where do I park?
Karekare Beach car park; limited spaces, arrive early on summer weekends.
Are dogs allowed?
No — not permitted in the Waitākere Ranges.
Is the track suitable for prams?
Mostly — the track is flat and short, though there are some rough patches. Sturdy off-road prams handle it fine.
For more west coast waterfalls see Waterfalls in Auckland — including Kitekite Falls at nearby Piha.
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