Park Activities

Beaches

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Beaches

Karekare is a wild surf beach with black sand.

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Swimming

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Swimming

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

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Dogs

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Dogs

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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Horse Riding

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Horse Riding

A permit is required for Horse riding in the Waitakere Ranges. Horse riding at Karekare is permitted before 10am and after 4pm.

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Surfing

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Surfing

Good surfing at Karekare, not suitable for beginners.

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Tracks

Karekare Falls Track
20 minutes / 0 km

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Karekare Falls Track

Walk
Time: 20 minutes
Distance: 0 km

This is a short easy walk from the main beach car park to a delightful waterfall. There is a pleasant, sheltered grass area, an ideal picnic spot or place to relax.

Pram friendly: No

Pohutukawa Glade Walk
20 minutes / 0 km

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Pohutukawa Glade Walk

Walk
Time: 20 minutes
Distance: 0 km

Stroll beneath the large sprawling Pohutukawa trees then out across the dunes to the beach. Extend your walk by walking north along the beach and returning via the Karekare Stream to the car park.

Pram friendly: No

Comans Track
60 minutes / 1 km

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Comans Track

Walk
Time: 60 minutes
Distance: 1 km

This is a track for the more adventurous. If you want to do the whole track and return via the Ahu Ahu track it will take one hour. The first 10 minutes of the walk takes you to several viewpoints overlooking the beach.

Pram friendly: No

Mercer Bay Loop Walk
60 minutes / 1 km

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Mercer Bay Loop Walk

Walk
Time: 60 minutes
Distance: 1 km

Set off from the Te Ahu Ahu Road car park and enjoy spectacular views out to see as the track winds around this prominent headland.

Pram friendly: No

Zion Hill Track
240 minutes / 8 km

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Zion Hill Track

Walk
Time: 240 minutes
Distance: 8 km

Leads south down the coast to meet up with the track from Whatipu. Begins at the Pohutukawa Glade walk picnic area, the track climbs steeply to Zion Hill, then descends to meet Buck Taylor Track. It is possible to make a round trip by following Buck Taylor Track to Parahara Valley Track, then walking back along the beach to Karekare.

Pram friendly: No