Karekare Beach

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Safety at Karekare Beach

We want you to have a great time whilst visiting Karekare Beach. But take a moment to learn more about being safe on New Zealand Beaches. More ►

Hazards

Click a safety symbol for more information on the risk

Location

Karekare Beach is located at the head of the picturesque Karekare Valley. The road winds down through the narrow valley and a small cluster of houses to a grassy car park by Karekare Creek. There are no facilities at the beach other than the car park and adjoining amenities block. From the car park, it is then a 400 metre walk along the side of the widening creek to the beach. The Karekare Surf Life Saving Club is located half way along the creek at the foot of the 150 metre high ridge that terminates at the beach. The Club members have been involved in many dramatic rescues at this dangerous beach. The beach is 950 metres long and faces west southwest. Prominent Karekare Point and Panatahi Island form the southern boundary, while Farley Point juts out towards the southwest to form the northern boundary. In addition the high central ridge terminates at the creek mouth where it is known as the Watchman. The ridge is also the location of the Surf Club watch platform. The beach extends for 700 metres south of this ridge, while to the north is a 200 metre long beach segment with a prominent 20 metre high rock on the beach. Finally the creek cuts a wide swathe across the beach south of the ridge and at times cutting into the 10 metre high grassy foredune. Waves average 1.5 metres and with the iron sand produce a 400 metre wide surf zone consisting of a low to moderate gradient beach, an attached inner bar, a deep trough running the length of the beach and an outer bar 250 to 350 metres off the beach. The inner bar is cut by three strong rips, two permanent rips against each headland. The more variable central rip is usually located just south of the creek mouth. These rips originate at the beach and flow through deep rip channels across the inner bar, through the trough and out to sea well past the outer bar. The northern rip at times bends to the north and flows around Flarely Point.

Beach Water Quality

Many councils provide the results of their weekly monitoring. This lets people know what the most recent bacteria levels were. Remember, even sites with low risk can be unsuitable to swim at from time to time and we recommend that you avoid swimming for 48 hours after heavy rainfall.