Kariotahi Beach, Black sand beach in Auckland region, New Zealand
Kariotahi Beach is a black sand beach on the west coast of the North Island formed by volcanic activity over time. The shoreline extends along natural sand dunes and provides direct access to the ocean across open sand.
The name was officially established in 1950, replacing an earlier spelling found in historical records. This change was part of broader standardization of geographic place names across New Zealand.
Local people use this beach regularly for swimming, surfing, and walking, treating it as a core gathering place for families and recreation. The community has built a strong connection to the shoreline over decades of regular visits and activities.
The beach has parking areas, restrooms, and picnic spots available for visitors. A boardwalk provides easy access from the parking area down to the sand and water.
The black sand gets its color from iron oxide that originates from Mount Taranaki and the North Island volcanic plateau. This material was carried by the Waikato River and deposited on the beach over many years.
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