Kariotahi Beach
Kariotahi Beach
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
43 reviews
Excellent
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Ace_Traveller_NZ
Auckland, New Zealand239 contributions
Dec 2021
Kariotahi beach is at the base of Awhitu Peninsula, on the Auckland, Waikato border. It has black sands backed by tall sandstone cliffs. There is a surf life saver club and the beach is patrolled. The surf varies from large to huge. This would have been an idyllic west coast beach if it weren't for the incessant roar of motorbikes up and down the beach. In competition are the 4WD vehicles. All make for a rather unpleasant experience. Most NZ beaches are also considered legal roads. I would like to see the council impose a low speed limit (as they have done in Auckland city) to protect the wildlife and beachgoers.
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dragos CC
Timisoara, Romania532 contributions
Dec 2019
This superblack spectacular wide beach is one of the best I saw, and I should add I saw a lot of them around the world.
I cannot compare with anything other beach, it is simply stunning and unique. You ahould feel the sand under your feets and wach a sunset there in your lifetime!
I cannot compare with anything other beach, it is simply stunning and unique. You ahould feel the sand under your feets and wach a sunset there in your lifetime!
Written December 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martyn S
Devonport, New Zealand141 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
Was ok to go for a wander on, but in the weekends there are lots of cars and off-road motorcycles racing up & down, so quite noisy.
Written July 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason D
Auckland Central, New Zealand172 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
We came out here for a mid week getaway from the children and had a wonderful Beach experience. Easy access for the vehicle and had a wonderful sunset.
Written March 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Knut D
Rasta, Norway16 contributions
Jan 2019 • Family
Really beautiful beach and amazing sunsets! The black sand is ultra fine and smooth. Most part of the beach you can park your car directly on the beach itself.
Written January 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike L
Auckland, New Zealand33 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
This is a wild stretch of New Zealand’s West Coast you should not miss. Its rugged character will not be lost on you. In calmer days it’s very pleasant for a walk or swim (only when lifeguards are on duty).
On the truest of wild days the wind will whip up the sand and drive huge surf onto the coast which is both formidable and attractive all at once.
On the truest of wild days the wind will whip up the sand and drive huge surf onto the coast which is both formidable and attractive all at once.
Written September 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bunce-12
Timaru, New Zealand33 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
A real East coast NZ beach that is still like our beaches were 30 yrs ago. Wonderful for a stroll along at the end of the day. Bit of a noise earlier as the folks with children who have bikes have somewhere to go to ride. They then have the enjoyment of a BBQ on the each with family and friends together doing what Kiwi's do. Need to keep an eye on the tide though and the waves. Please do not swim on your own or at the end of the day without life savers on duty. Enjoy it for a walk sit and watch the sunset enjoy the views and wonderful fresh air.
Written July 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brenda E
Auckland Central, New Zealand102 contributions
Feb 2020
Paraglyders delight.
Long and wild beautiful black sand beach.
If you like walking, surfing, swimming and paraglyding, this could be the spot for you.
Long and wild beautiful black sand beach.
If you like walking, surfing, swimming and paraglyding, this could be the spot for you.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine S
Otford, UK40 contributions
Dec 2019
We drove to Kariotahi beach after visiting Manakau Heads lighthouse and had wonderful time enjoying the vast expanse of black sand beach. My grandchildren 7 and 4 had a great time getting covered in sand and making black sandcastles, followed by splashing in the waves. We drove along the beach from the entrance and avoided the crowds who were camped by the safe swimming area and found a good spot to sit just by the cliffs and little waterfall. I waited at the bottom of the cliffs while the children and their parents climbed to the top.
We left when the noise from racing motorbikes and quad bikes became troublesome, but had a great time during the afternoon.
We left when the noise from racing motorbikes and quad bikes became troublesome, but had a great time during the afternoon.
Written December 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katieclem46
Hamilton, New Zealand673 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
Not a white sand postcard pretty beach, but Kariotahi has a charm of its own, not least because it is often overlooked as a destination beach. So no tourist crowds or packed car parks. Just roll right up to the beach with its wide black sand foreshore and park free. There are lifeguards at peak summer times, but all west coast beaches are wild and can be dangerous so caution is needed. Bring food and drink as Waiuku is the nearest pit stop apart from Castaway on the cliff edge above, which may not be available.
Written January 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the road to the beach paved? Is there parking at the beach? How far do you have to walk from the available parking to access the beach? Thanks!
Written April 6, 2018
You can drive right down to the beach and there is good parking. The comments above answer the question thoroughly.
Written April 7, 2018
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