We came by Karekare beach as a starting point for doing the walk to Whatipu beach and then back around the Gibbons. The carpark was quite large with toilets. The beach is very large and it wasn't very busy when we were there. There are a few trails that goes along the beach but we just walked along the beach instead of heading on the Pohutakawa glade trail to the tunnel campsite. It did get busy when we arrived in the afternoon and most of the parking area was full.

Nice place. The water fall and Opal pool are great. The narrow roads however are an absolute nightmare when lots of cars are parked on the sides of the road due to not enough proper parking. You can literally find yourself at an impasse. I found myself face to face with a ‘resident’ who was the biggest rude, moron, idiot I’ve ever met. I wouldn’t wish that encounter on anyone. I do find it funny that he has to experience that phenomenally bad traffic congestion every weekend when he needs to go somewhere though. Apart from the traffic issues and that ridiculous man and unfortunate experience it’s a great place to visit. Hope you don’t run into the resident clown.