Karekare

Boisterous surf beach in a mystical setting south of Piha, famous for providing the shoreline location for Jane Campion's film, "The Piano". The beach is a five minute walk from the car park. By walking south from the car park across the road bridge you can make a five minute visit to the Karekare Falls. The waterfall path is off the road on La Trobe Track to the east. Lone Kauri Road is a drive for the romantics.

The 'Watchman' which is a big scary rock on the beach, is actually a geological formation remaining from the massive Waitakere Volcano, which erupted during the period 19-16 million years ago. It is one side of the Karekare Crater, which was a vent which would have been about 1km across, part of it having been eroded and sand dunes covering other parts.

PIHA AND KAREKARE RAINFOREST AND WINE TOUR FROM AUCKLAND

Image Credits: Michelle Tatler and Andrew Harvey and BilleBalle1958 Wikimedia Commons