Karekare, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park
Karekare Road, Karekare

Check for open and closed tracks and help protect our kauri

We have closed large sections of the Waitākere Ranges to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.

When you visit our parks, you need to clean your footwear and equipment to avoid transferring disease from one area to another.

Find open and closed tracks and read about protecting our kauri.

About Karekare, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park

Karekare, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park - view of Union Bay, Karekare Point and Paratahi Island.

Karekare is a popular surf beach, and a coastal settlement. It is a geographically contained area with constrained vehicle access and limited parking capacity.

Book accommodation at Karekare

You need to know

Animals

Dogs, other animals and pets are prohibited at all Auckland Council regional parks' bookable sites and accommodation. The exception is registered aid dogs. You will need to advise our staff at time of booking if you have a registered aid dog for an exemption.
Dogs are allowed in regional parks only as stated in the dog walking section. All other animals are prohibited at all times, unless you have a permit issued by Auckland Council.

Alcohol

Visible and excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
We may ask you and your group to leave the park and terminate your permit.

Smokefree regional parks

Our regional parks are smoke-free.
Please observe this while staying on or using our regional parks.

Waste

All our regional parks are rubbish free. Take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave.

Outdoor fires

It is illegal to light a fire outside in all public areas in the Auckland region.

Dog walking at Karekare, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park

Our tip

Always follow the rules on where you can walk your dog on our website even if the information on park signs does not match. Call us on 09 301 0101 if you need help.
Read more about the dog access rules in Policy on dogs.

Campground
Image of dog sign All TimesAll Times
Prohibited
All times
This includes all areas near McCreadies Paddock
Beach
Image of dog sign All TimesAll Times
Prohibited
All times
This covers the area south from the Karekare island headland into Whatipu Scientific Reserve.
All other areas
Image of dog sign All TimesAll Times
On-leash
All times
This includes all grass areas and the main beach area north of the Karekare island headland.

Campground
Image of dog sign	All TimesAll Times
	Prohibited All times

Beach
Image of dog sign	All TimesAll Times
	Prohibited All times

All other areas
Image of dog sign	All TimesAll Times
	On-leash All times

Dog access rules for other public places

See the Auckland region dog access rules that cover other public areas.

Facilities at Karekare, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park

Pedestrian access

Open 24 hours

Toilets - limited mobility

There are wheelchair accessible toilets available.

Toilets

There is one toilet block available.

Gate access winter

8am to 7pm (Non-daylight saving)

Gate access summer

8am to 9pm (Daylight saving)

Parking

There are 54 parks available, with overflow parking in Pōhutukawa clearing.

Sealed access road

Access to the park is via Karekare Road which is sealed.

Ranger phone

There is a ranger phone at the park.

Picnic sites

Plenty of good spots to choose for a picnic.

Beach

Karekare is a wild surf beach with black sand. Take extra care when swimming at Karekare. Swim between the flags.

Pōhutukawa Glade Walk

15 minutes, 500 m
Easy access short walk suitable for mountain buggies. No pram or wheelchair access. Check if Pōhutukawa Glade Walk is open.

Buck Taylor Track

45 minutes, 1.8 km
Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Check if Buck Taylor Track is open.

Taraire Track

30 minutes, 0.9 km
Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Check if Taraire Track is open.

Mercer Bay Loop Walk

60 minutes, 1.4 km
Mountain buggy access but not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. Check if Mercer Bay Loop Walk is open.

Comans Track

60 minutes, 1.4 km
Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Check if Comans Track is open.

Odlin Timber Track

120 minutes, 2.8 km
Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Check if Odlin Timber Track is open.

Zion Ridge Track

45 minutes, 1.4 km
Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Check if Zion Ridge Track is open.

Cave Rock Track

45 minutes, 250 m
Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Check if Cave Rock Track is open.

Zion Hill Track

80 minutes, 3.6 km
Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Check if Zion Hill Track is open.

Ahu Ahu Track

60 minutes, 2.2 km
Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Check if Ahu Ahu Track is open.

La Trobe Track

90 minutes, 3 km
Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Check if La Trobe Track is open.

Activities at Karekare, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park

Weddings

You may need a permit to hold a wedding or civil union ceremony at this regional park. See Apply for a permit to have an event or wedding in a regional park for more information, or call 09 301 0101 and ask to speak to a Senior Park Ranger.

Fishing

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

Horse riding

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

Surfing

On a good day the surf can be great at Karekare. Like all adventure activities ensure you have assessed the risks and that the location is appropriate for your level of experience. The beach is not patrolled year round.

Volunteering

To find out about volunteering at 'Ark in the Park', visit the Ark in the Park website or contact us on 09 810 7014.

Drones

See Flying drones and unmanned aerial vehicles to find rules, guidelines and our code of conduct for flying UAVs and drones.

Swimming

Karekare is a wild surf beach with black sand. Take extra care when swimming at Karekare. Swim between the flags.

Karekare, Waitākere Ranges Regional ParkKarekare Road, Karekare

Check for open and closed tracks and help protect our kauri

About Karekare, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park

Book accommodation at Karekare

Karekare, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park
Karekare Road, Karekare