Karekare Beach

Karekare Beach, located on New Zealand’s rugged west coast near the village of Karekare, is famed for its expansive black sand shores, towering cliffs, and untamed natural beauty. Surrounded by native bush and backed by steep ranges, the beach offers photographers a wealth of compositions—from sweeping coastal vistas and textured dunes to moody ocean scenes and reflective tidal pools. It’s especially compelling during sunrise and sunset, when shifting light plays across the dark sand and surf. A short walk from the car park leads to the beach, and nearby Karekare Falls adds another photogenic stop. Remote and atmospheric, it’s an ideal spot for landscape and nature photographers. (Karekare, New Zealand)