Karekare Beach

If you've seen the Jane Campion film 'The Piano' (starring Harvey Keitel, Holly Hunter, Sam Neil and Anna Paquin) this shot may bring back a few memories. Crowded House recorded the epic album 'Together Alone' here too ! It's easy to see why this place inspired such amazing music ! The magnificent black sand beach is about an hour away from central Auckland on the West coast of New Zealands North Island in the Waitakere Ranges. It takes a real effort to get here (no public transport), but take it from me - the journey repays you many times over ! The car ride down the valley can be more than a little hair raising, but the unspoilt landscape that awaits will make you feel humble and totally at one with nature !