Karioitahi Beach
Horse riding the wild west coast beaches
Karioitahi Beach is located near Waiuku and Pukekohe, and still in Auckland due to the very weird border. Karioitahi is a similar beach to Muriwai in the north; amazing expanses of black sand at low tide, its a wild west coast beach. Karioitahi is backed by steep sand and clay cliffs. There is a single trail at the southern end of the beach leading into Waiuku Forest.
The beach is used by a variety of other users - walkers, kite surfers, vehicles, racehorse trainers so be prepared to share, and respect others. Check the tides before you go, you do not want to be caught out half-way along this beach with the tide rapidly coming in.
Access and Parking
Parking is on the beach itself, at the end of the only access road. Signage clearly shows where the unloading zone is - at the entrance to the beach. Remove all manure from the unloading area.
There is a walking only zone for 1km around the entrance. When you saddle up, ride down to the waterline, and stay at a walk for 1km as this is the busiest zone, and most likely area for walkers and bathers.
Read the noticeboard for all rules relating to this beach.
Map and Directions
Karioitahi beach is just 8km from Waiuku township and is at the end of Kairoitahi Rd.
