Hello Remember Me?!?! I had a baby and decided to fall off the edge of the world for a few months! So…West Auckland is a destination in itself when visiting Auckland…my first little walk of 2021 was to Karekare Falls and onto the very beautiful Karekare Beach.
As I had a c section in early December, big walks were still out of a question until I had my 6 week check up. Finding a short bush walk and sea views for my slightly delayed New Years walk, Karekare ticked all the boxes.
^^I swear by the Lulu Lemon Align leggings…expensive but cost per wear is ace plus they’re maternity friendly and beyond.
Last year, I enjoyed a bush walk and swim at Kitekite Falls which I would highly recommend.
The walk to Karekare Falls is short (less than 10 minutes) and isn’t strenuous…
…perfect when carrying all those extra festive kilos…2020 was the first time I’ve actually lost weight during the festive period…all thanks to little Bubba Bear vacating his first home.
It was the first time I had properly used the Baby Bjorn carrier (the first time I used it he screamed blue murder and Papa Bear had to carry him…we put it down to my mum tum at the time! And yes he is a little low in the carrier, I know) and it was bliss to be hands free!
Most of the walk is covered with trees and when you come to the opening of Karekare Falls, you’re hit with direct sunlight.
It’s a great little swimming spot…watch out for the big eels which you can see below!
We stopped to admire the falls…
…which are very beautiful…
…and it was great to see so many families getting out and exploring New Zealand!
Our next stop was Karekare Beach and it was one spot that I’d wanted to visit for a while….the walk to the beach is actually longer than the walk to Karekare Falls from the carpark…and make sure you wear shoes as the black sand is killer on your feet…wear closed in shoes during summer.
At times it did feel like we were never going to get to the beach…
…are we there yet?!?!…
…and then hallelujah we arrived…
…only to have to walk what felt like a million more miles to arrive at the waters edge!
Papa Bear went for a quick swim and Bubba Bear had his first little dip of the toes in the sea which he loved…well we thought he did…I’m sure he’ll complain later in life that he didn’t.
Karekare Beach is a famous New Zealand film location, used in The Piano.
I wouldn’t call this a sunbathing beach as the sand will keep you toasty hot….this is a famous West Coast black sand beach and it’s hot, hot, hot!
Heading home…we were able to enjoy the heavenly views of the Waitakere Ranges which are always stunning.
Apologies about the fuzzy photos…not sure what has happened…and you know what…I don’t have the time or inclination to fix the issue…hopefully the next post in ten months time will be better…sorry!
Travel Tips for Karekare Falls and Karekare Beach
- You can go swimming at Karekare Falls but check for any changes to the swimming advice
- Always swim between the flags at Karekare beach; the waves are big and caution is required even for strong swimmers
- Make sure you wear closed in shoes to walk to the beach as the black sand hurts
- If you’re taking a dog to Karekare Beach then please ensure you put socks on their paws to protect them from the heat
- The walk to Karekare Falls is perfect for beginners; KiteKite Falls is perfect if you’re looking a walk which is a bit longer with inclines
xx
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