Karekare Falls
Karekare Road, Karekare, Auckland
About
Karekare is the quietest of the west coast beaches and the one that feels least developed, reached by a narrow winding road with very limited parking. The falls are a short walk in from Karekare Road, dropping through pōhutukawa and nīkau into a bush pool. The beach beyond is wide, black and exposed. Take the surf seriously here. The Karekare Surf Life Saving Club describes it as one of the most dangerous beaches on the west coast, and patrols run only in the warmer months. Swim between the flags when lifeguards are on, and stay out of the water when they are not. The Zion Hill Track loop reopened in 2026 after nine years closed for kauri dieback, and runs about four and a half hours. Use the cleaning stations.