KAREKARE TO PARARAHA VALLEY- BEACH & BUSH & WATERFALL VISIT- SWIMMING

🌊 Karekare Beach to the → Pararaha Valley Loop Walk.

Auckland Social Events – Summer Walking Series with Stephen.

Greetings everyone,
Join me for one of the best loop walks in the Waitākere Ranges — a stunning coastal and bush adventure from Karekare Beach to the remote Pararaha Valley and back.

Today's special feature is the Re- Opened Zion Hill Track and Buck Taylor Track so expect plenty of members of the public here . We'll do the quieter Beach walking first here today to begin with. And there's also the chance to pick wild blackberries near the Tunnel Point Campground and toilet .

This walk is known for:
Fewer crowds..we hope..
Big scenery
Hidden gems
A relaxed, social pace
We’ll take our time, stop often, and soak it all in.

This is not a fast-paced hike, and it’s not suitable for children under 20.

🌿 What to Expect on the Day
This loop offers huge variety in one unforgettable guided walk:

Black sand beach walking to begin with..We will do the bush walking in the afternoon .
Coastal forest and pōhutukawa trees
Small sand dunes
A tunnel, stream crossings, campsites
Waterfall views and fresh water swimming options.

Kauri groves and sweeping coastal views
A recently opened track returning over the hills
Stair climbing up and tracks over Mt Zion, then back down to the cars
On a clear day, you can see for miles — south toward Whatipu and north toward Piha.

Bring along everything you need to keep yourself warm and happy and fed and hydrated and carry everything in a small backpack.

Lunch will be enjoyed in the Pararaha Valley, with:
Shelter
Toilets
Stream soaking (feet or full-body chill-out, your call).

🚶‍♂️ Walking Details (At a Glance)
Distance:
Approx. 8 km loop
Walking Time:
Around 4 hours total
Plenty of rest stops, photos, and chats
Difficulty:
Easy to Medium
Suitable as an introduction to hiking
One steeper hill-climb section in the afternoon (about 30 minutes, with stops).

Cost - There's an Event Fee today for the Days Activities for the Website. $5.
Either bring Cash on the day Or pre-pay to this Bank Account - Use your Meet Up Name and use Karekare Walk . Thank you.

Meet Up Walks
030 149 0127966 01

Fitness Level:
A reasonable level of walking fitness required. Tho we stop lots to rest and learn something about the things we see along the way.

🕘 Event Details
WHAT:
Auckland Social Events – Summer Series Walking with Stephen
WHEN:
Saturday 17 January 2026.

WHERE MEETING-
Karekare Beach Carpark
📍 1 Karekare Road, Karekare
(Click the map link on Meetup to navigate).

MEET & GREET:
🕤 9:30 AM .
FINISH TIME:
Around 4:00 PM, depending on weather and group size.

Roughly 4 hours loop walk here today with extra time for breaks and longer lunch in the Pararaha Valley.

☀️ Important Notes
It can get very hot — bring extra water.
Water refills available at lunchtime
Afternoon bush sections are shaded
Sunhat and sunscreen recommended
Rain jacket is important
Hiking poles:
Optional but recommended if you have older knees.

No Dogs or Smokers or Children today please.

Carpooling Method

Add your Mobile number and Area where you live and contact each other prior to the Event. I suggest you give your Driver at least $20.

Drivers - Karekare Beach Carpark today gets busy. Extra parking areas on the road. Toilets here. No shops. No petrol station.

Optional swim at the Waterfall here after our hike finishes. Bring along everything you need.

Any questions please contact me directly at my mob 0274 779495.

See you on Saturday at Karekare.

Best regards Stephen F.