Location
New Zealand
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
December to March
About Karekare Beach
Karekare is a wild black-sand surf beach on Auckland's west coast, inside the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and just south of Piha. A short drive down a winding road from the ranges ends in a small settlement among bush-clad hills, with a waterfall a few minutes' walk inland and a broad expanse of iron sand and dunes stretching south toward Whatipū. The beach became world-famous as the location of the film The Piano. Naturists have used Karekare for decades, and guides list it among Auckland's recognised nude beaches. Nude bathers tend to spread out along the wide, quieter stretches of sand away from the car park and surf-patrol area, where there is plenty of room to keep a distance from clothed visitors. As the beach has become more popular, most people you meet near the entrance will be clothed. The surf is powerful and the rips are dangerous, as on all of Auckland's west coast, so swim only between the flags when the beach is patrolled. There is little shade on the sand, and the wind can be strong; the dunes and stream behind the beach are worth exploring.
Getting there
From Auckland city drive about 45-60 minutes west via Titirangi and Scenic Drive, then Piha Road and the narrow, steep Karekare Road down to the beach. There is a free car park near the bottom; it fills on fine summer weekends. There is no public transport. From the car park it is a short, flat walk over the stream and through the dunes to the sand; continue along the beach to find a quieter spot. The dunes make wheelchair access to the sand impractical.
What visitors say
Travel writers praise Karekare's dramatic scenery and say naturists have been coming for decades. Recent guides warn that with its growing popularity most visitors are now clothed, so nude bathers should walk further along the beach. Visitors frequently note the dangerous surf and strong rips, the hot black sand in summer, and the lack of shade.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
New Zealand has no law against simple nudity in public, and courts have held that nakedness alone is not 'offensive behaviour' under the Summary Offences Act 1981; nudity is generally accepted on beaches where it is known to occur. Karekare has no signage or official designation (checked 2026). Behaviour that is intended to offend can still be prosecuted.
Naturism at Karekare Beach sits under New Zealand's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: New Zealand public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
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Approx. -36.9789, 174.4789
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity legal at Karekare?
Simple nudity is not illegal in New Zealand, and Karekare is a long-standing nude beach, though it has no official designation.
Where do nude bathers go?
Away from the car park and surf patrol area, along the wider and quieter stretches of the beach.
Is it safe to swim?
The surf and rips are dangerous; swim only between the flags when the beach is patrolled.
Is there parking?
Yes, a free car park at the end of Karekare Road, which fills on summer weekends.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
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