Karekare is Piha's wilder, less-developed neighbour — a black-sand beach 5 kilometres south of Piha in the Waitakere Ranges that was the filming location for Jane Campion's 1993 film 'The Piano' and has retained the raw, romantic atmosphere that drew Campion there. The beach is reached by a 10-minute walk from the car park through native bush and across a coastal stream, which keeps the crowds lighter than at Piha.
The 30-metre Karekare Waterfall (Te Ahoaho), fed by one of the creeks draining off the ranges, is a 15-minute walk from the beach car park and is often almost deserted. The 4.5-kilometre round-trip coastal walk north to Piha via Mercer Bay includes vertiginous cliff-top sections with some of the best ocean views in the Auckland region. Like Piha, Karekare's swimming is dangerous and only safe when the surf club is patrolling — even then, wading beyond knee depth is not recommended for non-surfers.
Verified Facts
Karekare was the filming location for 'The Piano' (1993)
Karekare Waterfall is 30 metres tall
The beach is 5 kilometres south of Piha
The coastal walk to Piha is 4.5 kilometres round trip
Get walking directions
Karekare, Waitakere Ranges
