Do you remember the beach scene in Jane Campion’s The Piano? It was a cinema masterpiece and something that has always stayed with me. The scene where Holly Hunter’s character, Ada played the piano locked under a box for hours on the beach, was was filmed in Karekare, a spectacular black sand beach on the rugged west coast of Auckland. It’s only about forty minutes from the downtown and I’ve been meaning to visit there since arriving in the country four years ago! I’ve been to the surrounding beaches, the most famous being Piha and then there is Bethells Beach, where Taylor Swift just happened to film her latest clip.
We packed our lunch and took off for the day. It was really quite jaw dropping beautiful. The beach had hardly anyone on it. These beaches aren’t the type that you just go to and hang out; it’s more for the experience and to explore. The surf is quite dangerous, the black sand so fine that you find it in everything for days after. But really…. wow!
There are so many beautiful places to explore in New Zealand that visitors don’t get enough time to see the Auckland surrounds. This is normal because of time constraints and the rest of the country is pretty damn spectacular, so you want to see as much of it as you can.
If you do live in Auckland, it’s a great day trip and if you are visiting and have lots of time in the city, put this gem of a beach on the list. There’s also a beautiful waterfall and water hole a three-minute walk away.
For the fun of it, get totally immersed in the experience and watch the movie the night before you go. Oh and pack some flip flops, the black sand can get really hot!
Here are a few of photos of our little day excursion. Happy weekend everyone!
Mel xx
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Stunning photographs and I LOVE LOVE LOVE ‘The Piano’. It’s always been one of my favourite films.
Happy new year lovely. May it be filled with health and success x
Thanks Tina. Wishing you the most wonderful year too! xx
So gorgeous! Unbelievable how beautiful New Zealand is. I’m happy I got the chance to experience your country but I hate it that its so far away! :-)
How nice would it be if you could just pop over for a quick visit? xx M
Such a beautiful scenery!! And it is easily recognizable if you saw the movie!! Beautiful! Thanks for the little virtual trip and the hint:-) Hugs from snow-white Munich!
Oh snow! Lucky you Igor:)
how lovely you were at karekare! she sure is beautiful. i’ve followed your blog for a while now and love your work alot. I live out at karekare, and it was warming to see your post. you have a beautiful family! we loved coming out here as kids, great memories. come and visit again. :) x
Thank you so much Louise for your kind words:) What luck you have to be living by such beauty, I bet it’s hard to get stressed there. I’ll sure be back. Have a great weekend! M x