Karekare Beach

The secluded black sands of Karekare Beach lie surrounded by dramatic cliffs just 35 kilometres from the centre of Auckland on North Island. Immortalised in rock group Crowded House’s Together Alone album which was largely recorded nearby, and the Oscar-winning film The Piano in the same year, Karekare beach has been named one of the top 25 beaches in the world.

Part of Karekare Regional Park, surfers regularly frequent the waves, and swimming is also possible in the area marked out by flags when lifeguards are on patrol. However, a visit to this large expanse of unusual sand is more about taking in the feeling of isolation and to marvel at all the natural world has to offer.

For instance, around 10 minutes on foot from the main car park visitors will discover Karekare Falls, where visitors can swim in the small pool at the base of these majestic cascades as their white-water tumbles over verdant cliffs.

Should you wish to stay overnight, there is a small campsite within the park, and a great many more walking trails to discover than just that to the falls or the beach.