Taraire Track

The Taraire Track explores the forested valleys in behind Karekare, providing a good contrast to the blacksand beach walks. The track can be hard to follow due to variable marking standards and a heavy coating of taraire leaves obliterating the path.

Karekare is accessed by turning off Piha Road onto Karekare Road or Lone Kauri Road. A large car park by the beach fills up quickly at weekends (accessible toilets here). From the Karekare car park, head south along the road until it climbs for a few minutes. Watch for the "La Trobe Track" signpost at the view of Karekare Falls. 

Take the track over a bridge and down to the bottom of the falls. There is a picnic area here under pohutukawa trees. 

The Taraire Track leads uphill. The narrow track climbs through wind-sculpted pohutukawa and kanuka, into a forest of karaka, taraire, and young kauri. After 30 minutes the track eases off and drops across Company Stream, the small stream that leads over the falls. A vague track leads down the valley. A few marker pegs lead uphill and over a second easy ridge to the La Trobe Track junction. This track is currently closed. 

An easy stroll through manuka and tree ferns leads to another small stream: cross Murdoch Stream and follow it most of the way down the hillside to the road.