This huge, wide, and beautiful black sand beach is famous because it has been the filming site for many movies and TV shows. It is most famous as the beach where a scene was filmed for the Oscar winning movie, The Piano, where the piano was left behind. It is popular and can get busy on weekends or holidays. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the amazing scenery and mountains that surround it. It is somewhat isolated, with only a few homes nearby in the small town of Karekare. Even on weekends, the beach is so large, you will have plenty of space to spread out and relax with very few people around you. The beach access trail is along the road, just past the parking lot. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the beach area, then count on walking another 10 minutes to get near the water. The black sand can get really hot in the sunshine!!! So, be sure to wear beach shoes or sandals, and take a large towel or beach blanket to sit on the sand. Take some water, drinks, and snacks. There are no restaurants or stores in Karekare. The closest ones are 10-15 minutes away in Piha. The waves at this beach are pretty rough at times, and it’s probably not considered a great swimming place because of that. Also, there are no lifeguards at this beach. Another nearby feature that you will want to check out is Karekare Falls, about a 10 minute easy walk from the parking lot. Some pointers for you- 1. The road is very narrow and windy down to Karekare and can get pretty busy on the weekends. It’s pretty hard to drive this road in a large truck or camper van! 2. The parking lot is small and can fill up quickly on holidays or weekends, as it is also the main parking lot for some walking trails and for Karekare Falls 3. There is a public restroom at the parking area 4. Fill up your car with gas before driving out. There are no gas stations in the Karekare/Piha area 5. There are no restaurants or stores in Karekare, but there are several in Piha 6. No lifeguards, so be careful swimming and the waves can be rough 7. Wear beach shoes or sandals as the black sand can get really hot

Very nice beach. Lots of amazing walks and views. Only downside is lack of parking and tight road

Beautiful beach, absolutely! This is my second favourite beach in Auckland, only falling behind Huia/Whatipu down the line. This is by no means a safe surf beach but it does have a spectacular beauty that few other beaches can match. Not only that, but it is also home to the Karekare Falls which is only a 5 minute walk from the road. At the southern end of the beach lies the beginning of the Whatipu Scientific Reserve. I wonder how long it would actually take someone to walk all the way to Whatipu Beach? There is a 10 minute walk to the beach from the carpark but it is totally worth it. Please visit, especially during the summer.

Beautiful beach ~ it wasn’t easy walking to reach the beach. However once you get there you’ll be surprised with the breathtaking beauty of the rough waves rolling in the sea and black sand. Especially this Karekare beach is so well known for the movie poster “ Piano”.

Words, (nor the endless amounts of pictures and videos), can describe New Zealand's beauty that's seen everywhere. You have to see the nature with your own eyes, hear the endless calls from the multitude of birds that call these islands home with your own ears, and smell the fresh, crisp air with your own nose, in order to truly and completely enjoy everything New Zealand has to offer.

Karekare Beach is just spectacular! Totally worth the narrow Rd and long drive once you get there. The sand dunes are great for the kids to whizz round on and the beach is expansive and beautiful. We took a picnic as there are no shops out there but the car park and public toilets are great. Do walk up the hill to the waterfall, both the walk and the falls itself are stunning.

excellent beach to relax, very quiet

Dog friendly beach 🏖 GreAt place to walk your dogs or just run by yourself. Also, there is a small “river” where if you have kids they can play. In terms of swimming they’re some safety guards so if you swim 🏊‍♀️ between flags you will be safe.

I was breath taken when I first came to this place in August 2017. I loved the serenity and peace. As it was my first time in New Zealand and everything kept amazing me,this wasn't any different. Loved the black sand. Clear water. Miles of secluded and quiet beach. Truly blessed country New Zealand. Very close to car park and toilets. Across the beach can be found the waterfall and amazing hiking spots. Can't wait to go back.

An amazing place to visit with a wonderful atmosphere. Quite a long drive down narrow roads but well worth the effort. How did they get the piano onto the beach then inland? A miracle?

Amazing place only 5 mn walk for the car park. You feel the beauty of NZ, the strength of the sea and its waves, the darkness of sand that reflect the greenness of the vegetation … And do not hesitate to take a walk to the waterfall that is another 5 mn from the car park. Beautiful.

One of my favourite beach to photograph a weddings, engagement or couples’ portrait. The beach is free to the public. There is a public toilet and enough car park space. You can walk to the Kare Kare falls and there are sa dunes and sunset are amazing! One of the best sunset you will ever see. You need to walk few minutes from the car park to the beach and water falls. Dogs under control on lead are allowed. There is a a separate track for off leash dog-walkers. starts on the other side of the wooden bridge. How ever since there is no shade ins or trees close to the Beach is better to walk your dog late in the after noon or closer to the sunset.

Great place to go for a walk, and see almost no-one. Parking can be an issue on really nice days. Best to get there early.

This place! Definitely a must! Simply beautiful on a summer day; small walk to the waterfall, great area to have a picnic & the beach close by if you ever want to catch sunset. Public toliets are provided too & loads of room for parking.

Very nice place

Great beach to see black sand. Little parking, but also quite quiet with the number of people that visit. Most go up to the falls.

Did you know that there is a magnificent waterfall just minutes away from the Beach?

(Translated by Google) Mega beautiful, very slowing down like the whole country just look around. You can't go wrong in New Zealand. Simply one of the most beautiful countries in the world. (Original) Mega schön sehr entschleunigend wie das ganze Land schaut euch einfach um. Man kann in neuseeland nichts falsch machen. Einfach eins der schönsten Länder der Welt.

Amazing views, black iron sand, a gem of a beach. Decent waves. Great fun for the whole family. Has a great track for walking aswell if you're into that. Waterfall is really cool aswell.

(Translated by Google) Great for relaxing, lots of waves, few people, Excellent beach (Original) Ótimo para relaxar , varias ondas, poucas pessoas, Exelente praia

Beautiful beach, very quiet and peaceful ❤

Ocean waves , unpredictable

Amazing black sand beach with a waterfall within walking distance. The surf can be a bit rough for the general swimmer, but it’s fine as long you don’t go beyond neck depth. The surrounding landscape is beautiful with mountainous terrain. Access to the beach involves crossing over a small bay of water which is about knee depth, so avoid taking lots of equipment.

Miles of beach as far as the eye can see. Didn't swim though with the bluebottles and other jelly fish floating around but just the view is worth the walk.

Amazing beach, strong waves

About a 5min drive down a scenic narrow road to get a parking area. Then a 10min easy walk to the black sand beach. Relatively quiet and relaxing with nice views. Nicely grassed picnic spot near the parking area. Public loos were not the best.

Absolutely amazing place. Wasn’t sure what to expect. We parked at the main car park and walked to the waterfall first. Then took the track near the bridge down to the beach. The trek is long but picturesque, with an amazing canyon where you can hear birds calling to each other. The beach itself is an amazing place - long stretches of black sand, as far as the eye can see. Almost like you’re on the moon

Absolutely stunning beach! The Karekare waterfall is just 5 min walk from the car park. The road going down towards the beach is quite winding and it is best to drive slowly since you can't see the vehicles coming towards you from the bends.

Strong waves, long walk from carpark 😪

Karekare Beach is an absolute must-see destination for anyone visiting New Zealand. This stunning beach is located on the rugged west coast of Auckland and is truly a place of beauty. With its rich Maori history and iconic rugged beauty, Karekare has been the backdrop for Hollywood movies and is considered one of the best beaches in the world. One of the most unique aspects of Karekare is its river that leads to the sea from a spring-fed waterfall, surrounded by subtropical rainforest. This adds to the beauty of the beach and offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural surroundings. The beach is also known for its great surfing, with some of the best waves in the country. Karekare beach is also a great spot for swimming, but it's important to stay between the flags and be aware of the conditions. The beach is unspoiled and beautiful, and it's a unique playground for visitors to enjoy. The rugged beauty of Karekare is an iconic trademark and it's definitely worth a visit. In conclusion, Karekare Beach is a must-see destination for anyone visiting New Zealand. Its unique combination of beauty, history, and natural surroundings make it a truly special place. Whether you're looking to surf, swim, or just take in the scenery, Karekare is an unspoiled beauty that you won't want to miss.

I was standing on a wave Then I made the drop I was lying in a cave In the solid rock I was feeling pretty brave Til the lights went off Sleep by no means comes too soon In a valley lit by the moon We left a little dust on his Persian rug We gathered up our clothes got the washing done In a long forgotten place who'll be the first to run? Sleep by no means comes too soon In a valley lit by the moon I was floating on a wave Then I made the drop I was climbing the walls Waiting for the band to stop You can say the magic words I've got my sensors on And this is the only place That I always run from Sleep by no means comes too soon In a valley lit by the moon

This beach is amazing! I would say it is much better to swim at then Piha as the waves arnt as killer. There is still strong pull however more bearable! Life guards on site. Black sand beach. And a whole lot of space. Really is a beauty in Auckland! My tip would be to go in the afternoon just before the sun dies down so the sand is cooler to walk on. More parking, less busier and still as hot!

Black sand, cold views, and its the West Coast, where the next thing you will see is Australia (well you won't but...)

Love that beach! I think it’s even nicer than Piha! Cool waves and so big! Scenery makes you feel like you’re in Scotland

Karekare beach has been on my bucket list for quite a while. I had wanted to visit nearby Piha Beach, but after seeing the movie ‘The Piano’ which featured the beach and also being such a Crowded House fan (they wrote a song about Karekare) going to Karekare was something I just had to do. The road down to the beach is a bit winding but sealed, about 6-8kms I think. Well worth it. Take it slow. Good parking at the beach site. It truly is an amazing place. Much more remote than Piha Beach, very spectacular and wild. The incredible dramatic coastline is only emphasised on a gloomy day. But do not plan to swim - it is a very dangerous beach with strong surf. I had great advice from a trip advisor member to park in the car park at the beach and not follow the signs to the beach but instead head towards the beach and past the surf patrol/rescue building. You need to cross a stream but this cuts a great deal of time off going over the dunes and it is a flat track. You can also see the war memorial plaque just past the surf building. Chances are, you will have the massive wide amazing beach to yourself. There is also a nearby waterfall a few hundred metres up the road from the beach. Really worth the hike up the hill. Extremely beautiful! I can’t recommend this stunning place more. It was an absolute highlight of my trip. I am so glad I went there.

An amazing beach.

Always an amazing place. Coastal remote rugged beauty set among the hills of the Waitakeres Ranges.

Lovely stream from the beach to mountain.

Beautiful beach! Often not as busy as the others and so large there is space for everyone! Great place for a sunset or a day out and Karekare Falls is nearby and worth a visit also!

It’s a beautiful black sand beach 🏖

Easily one of my fav in West Auckland to get away from the city.

Stunning black sand beach, beautiful view could hear the waves roaring and crashing from a far. #nature

This is an interesting beach, as it has black sand. It was featured in the movies The Piano, Memory and Desire. It's a bit of a walk before you reach the beach itself, especially if you do not want to cross the stream and get wet. It's rather quiet, so very nice to just relax. I saw a lot of surfers, so I guess the surf must be quite good.

Beautiful

(Translated by Google) Sky tower city night view (Original) 天空塔城市夜景

Beautiful

Beautiful fine black sand beach, pristine nature, easy parking, nearby waterfalls... New Zealand at its best!

Primo Swim, always keeping an eye on the tides, the kids, by jeez, you gotta watch the rascals, big one here, especially.

I came to see the sun set and it was on of the most beautiful view I have seen 😍👍🏼

Prepare for a tight and winding downhill road to reach this beach and you'll be rewarded with a less crowded place compared to Piha and Bethells.

A quiet tucked away beach. Very beautiful and spacious!! There’s nothing around here so bring your own food

Beautiful and stunning

West Coast beautiful

What an awesome stretch of beach

Fine and unbelievably long stretched beach sand.

Amazing

Dog friendly, beautiful west Auckland, black sand beach!

Wild n beautiful

Beautiful place , rugged scenery.

A beach fill with romantic, trust me, really hard to get here but worth that for sure.

Beautiful beach to visit with family and friends. Black sand everywhere. Follow the Karekare stream (nice stroll) from the carpark, and be prepared to take your shoes off and submerge your feet in the nice cold water 😄 Don’t forget to visit the Karekare Falls when you are here.