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Park activities

Camping - backpack
Dog walking with restrictions
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Dog walking with restrictions

All dogs must be on a lead at Karekare. Dogs are prohibited access to Whatipu beach via Karekare and from the beach area south of Karekare beach.

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Fishing
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Fishing

Remember that fishing on the west coast can be dangerous, waves are unpredictable. Always wear a lifejacket.

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Picnics
Sightseeing
Surfing
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Surfing

On a good day the surf can be great at Karekare. Like all adventure activities ensure you have assessed the potential risks and that the location is appropriate for your level of experience. The beach is not patrolled year round. For more information on surf conditions check www.surf.co.nz

7 out of 10

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Swimming
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Swimming

Take extra care when swimming at Karekare. Swim between the flags.

8 out of 10

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Walks (1 hour or more)
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Walks (1 hour or more)

For the more adventurous take one of the tracks that venture up the hill and be rewarded with views over the beach. See track details below.

8 out of 10

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Walks (less than 1 hour)
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Walks (less than 1 hour)

Take a stroll up to Karekare Falls or try the Pohutukawa Glade Walk.

8 out of 10

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Wedding / civil union
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Wedding / civil union

Karekare is a popular spot for relationship ceremonies for good reason. Locations such as the Karekare Falls, North beach and the Glade are all stunning locations in their own right. A number of options also exist on private land. If you are thinking Karekare might be the spot for your day please call the Arataki Visitor Centre on (09) 817 0077 to discuss your requirements. The park is popular and early bookings are essential.

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Tracks

Pohutukawa Glade Walk
< ¼ hour / 0.5 km
Buck Taylor Track
 ¾ hour / 1.8 km
La Trobe Track
1 ½ hours / 3 km
Taraire Track
 ½ hour / 0.9 km
Zion Hill Track
1.3 hours / 3.6 km
Zion Ridge Track
 ¾ hour / 1.4 km
Cave Rock Track
 ¾ hour / 0.25 km
Comans Track
1 hour / 1.4 km
Mercer Bay Loop Walk
1 hour / 1.4 km
Back to Karekare Home
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Karekare

Te Arai

Future Park - Still under development

In August 2008, the ARC purchased nearly 50 hectares of new parkland at Te Arai, in the north east of the Rodney District.

The land, adjoining a Rodney District Council coastal reserve, holds high ecological, cultural heritage, recreational and scenic values. Highly sensitive dune lake ecosystems, wetlands, coastal broadleaf forest and regenerating forest cover the majority of the land.

Securing this property for parkland guarantees the protection of a sensitive headland which overlooks a significant section of coastline and contains some of the region's most outstanding scenic and ecological features.

Future management of the property as parkland will be considered through a Regional Park Management Plan process. This will include consultation with Iwi, Rodney District Council and the public.

There is currently no formal public access to this land.

 

Park facilities

Camping - view details
Beaches
Karekare is a wild surf beach with black sand.
Interpretation
Native bush
Notice board
Parking
Overflow parking is available in Pohutakawa clearing.
Ranger contact phone
Sealed access road
Toilet block
Picture of Karekare

The ARC's newest park, 50 hectares of coastal land at Te Arai.

Park opening hours:

Summer:
7:30am - 9:00pm
Winter:
7:30am - 7:00pm

Weekend opening hours:

Summer:
7:30am - 9:00pm
Winter:
7:30am - 7:00pm

Public holiday opening hours:

Summer:
7:30am - 9:00pm
Winter:
7:30am - 7:00pm

How to get to Karekare

Head along the north-western motorway. Get off at Lincoln Rd. At the end of Lincoln Rd turn into Great North Rd. At first set of lights turn right into Henderson Valley Rd. At roundabout take Forest Hill Rd and drive to end. Turn right into West Coast rd. At end of West Coast Rd turn right into Scenic Drive. Take Piha Rd at junction 200m on. Karekare and Anawhata are signposted off Piha Rd.

Distance from Auckland CBD: 50 km

  
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