Access to Karekare in the Waitākere Ranges, Auckland, is from a turnoff from the main road to Piha. It takes about one hour to get there from downtown, and you will need a vehicle.
Everything about Karekare is entrancing. The name sounds pretty, although it refers to agitated water. The drive through the native forest from Piha Road is stunning, and Karekare Falls is nearby. Take pretty Pohutukawa Glade or the lagoon walk from the parking area, which are the main access paths to the beach. Once you are on the beach, the surf-patrolled safe swimming area is towards the cliffs to the north.
If you prefer walking for a while, head south for an hour, and you will reach the Tunnel Point campsite. Tunnel Point is one of the few relics of the industrious settlers who mostly wiped out the area's ancient kauri forests. The good news is that the forest is recovering, and there are large areas of young to 100-year-old trees throughout the region. Hence, there is concern about Kauri Dieback Disease.
Continue from Tunnel Point, and you will arrive at the Pararaha Valley Track with a second campsite. From there, you can hike to Whatipu above the cliffs on the Gibbons and Muir Tracks. Allow at least half a day one way.
If you do hike south, consider this. Over the last hundred years, the beach has become much wider as sand has collected along the coast!
Due to Cyclone Gabrielle, there have been road closures in the Waitākere, and the road to Karekare was closed in early 2023. For updates on closures, check the Auckland Council website.
