West of the Moon

House in Auckland, NZ
100% Recommended
5 people
No pets
A hidden gem situated in the Waitakere Ranges, Karekare has left many astonished by its natural structures and the peaceful charm that comes along with it.

Nestled in the Karekare Valley. Modern, comfortable, self contained. Flat section on Karekare Road. Short stroll (400 meters flat) to the beach or waterfall. The Karekare stream runs through the back of the section. Back unit. I can accommodate a mix of couples and singles. Karekare is a surf beach. It is patrolled at key times during the summer.
Equipped with heat pump so perfect for that winter getaway or cool in summer.

BBQ
Outdoor furniture
Landline phone for local and national calls
Online supermarket shopping and regular delivery available.
Off street parking out the front.
Gift this

Features and Amenities

1 bedroom
4 beds
1 bathroom
Air conditioning
BBQ
Heating

Details

  • Check in after 2:00pm
    Check out before 11:00am
  • Minimum booking: 1 night
Cancellation Policy: 

Receive a full refund (minus service fee) up until 1 week prior to check-in.

Additional Information

No public transport to Karekare, except for taxi. Can provide transport to and from the city, airport or suburbs if it fits with my schedule - please ask.

The are no shops or cafes at Karekare. There is a small shop and various places to eat in Piha, ten minutes away. No supermarket. No petrol station.
Cell phone coverage is limited to Spark 3g only.

As of May 1st 2018 Auckland Council has closed nearly all tracks in the Waitakere Ranges for walking and hiking. This is to attempt to stem the spread of Kauri dieback which is a disease affecting New Zealand's most iconic tree. There is still options available for walkers and hikers that stay at west of the moon which your host can advise you on.

No public transport to Karekare.
The train or buses will take you as far west as Henderson or Glen Eden.
To get to Karekare take the Piha Road and turn left before Piha down Karekare Road.
The road takes you through the Waitakere Ranges and can be quite winding in places. It is unlit at night.
The last kilometer to the beach is steep downhill and winding.

Only guests who are booked may stay. The booking guest must be present.
Clean feet inside, no heavy shoes.
Smoking outside only away from house
We are on tank water, please use wisely
To care for the septic tank please use the eco friendly products supplied. No tampons or sanitary pads to be flushed down the toilet.
No cooking oils or fats to be poured down the sink.
Care of the kitchen. Use the chopping board instead of the bench. No hot pots directly on the bench.
Use the fans when cooking or showering.
Keep doors and windows closed when using the heat pump
No pictures or posters to be put on the walls
Ask the owner if you think you need to re-arrange the indoor furniture.
You may bring the outdoor chairs inside. Please use them on a mat.
Any breakages, damage or other items requiring attention
– please inform owner promptly
Pets negotiable
On check out please lock the doors and put the key in the lock-box or give directly to host.
Let your host know if you have any additional requirements or suggestions.

Prices

  • Base Price $89 / night
  • Weekend Price $109 / night
  • Cleaning Fee $40
  • Extra People $30 (adult) and $20 (child) / night after 3 people

Finding fulfillment

Based on traveller reviews, these are the top fulfilling moments experienced while staying here. Learn more

Slowness

Peacefulness

Joy

Reviews (6)

100% Recommended

Ashley

1 Jun 2026
Despite the windy and rainy weather, my partner and I made the most of trip with beautiful sunset walks along the beaches and hiking comans track. With luck we managered to snag a same day table at th...e lovely restaurant, Aryeh (highly recommend... so yummy, and super accommodating to allergies and any intolerances; we did the 5 course meal). Garth, the host, is super lovely and too accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable of the area. We really enjoyed the nostalgia of his DVD collection 😍
Excitement
Challenge
Joy
Rejuvenation
Slowness
Peacefulness
+1
Human connection

Rebekah

28 May 2024
Super cozy little house set in gorgeous bush. I loved hearing all the tūī as I arrived! Garth was lovely and his accommodation was perfect for my toddler, bubba, and myself. We checked out Karekare b...each at sunset which was gorgeous and had dinner at the Piha Surf Club over the hill. We also popped into nearby Henderson to check out Kiwi Valley Farm with the kids. A lovely weekend away!
Joy
Groundedness
Freedom
Slowness
Peacefulness

Josiah

15 Feb 2024
Extremely serene and idyllic spot, nestled in the coast with scenery just a stone's throw away. The beautiful cabin home was very cleverly designed with plenty of space and every practicality you could shake a stick at. Lovely decor, very friendly host and mint spot. What more could you want!
Joy
Slowness
Human connection
Freedom
Rejuvenation
Groundedness
+2
Peacefulness
Unplugged

Host

Garth
Email Verified
Phone Verified
Facebook Verified
Karekare, Nový Zéland
1Listings
I live at Karekare. It is my sanctuary, inspiration and source of puissance. It is a privilege to be able to share my home with locals and overseas travelers alike.
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Location

The map shows the listing location and awesome adventures nearby.

Listing location
Adventures nearby

Adventures Nearby

Here are some details about the adventures nearby. Refer to the map for their location.

Photo 1 for Karekare Falls
Photo 2 for Karekare Falls

Karekare Falls

Karekare falls is a super easy waterfall to get to with just a two minute walk from the carpark.
Photo 1 for Mercer Bay Caves
Photo 2 for Mercer Bay Caves
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Photo 5 for Mercer Bay Caves

Mercer Bay Caves

Mercer Bay Caves are a difficult hike down but absolutely worth the effort. You have to make sure the tide is out.
Sunset on the West Coast

Sunset On The West Coast

I made the one hour drive out to Piha for sunset but any west coast beach will be equally as impressive. Bonus points if you stop at a fish & chip shop on the way!
Photo 1 for Piha beach for sunset
Photo 2 for Piha beach for sunset

Piha Beach For Sunset

Piha is an excellent beach location to enjoy some of the best sunsets in New Zealand.
Photo 1 for Journey up to Manukau Heads Lighthouse
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Photo 4 for Journey up to Manukau Heads Lighthouse

Journey Up To Manukau Heads Lighthouse

Visit the historical Manukau heads lighthouse, jutting out from the tip of the peninsula. Grounds popular for picnicking and sea views surround this secluded beacon.
Chase Waterfalls in the Waitakere Ranges

Chase Waterfalls In The Waitakere Ranges

There are plenty of waterfalls to discover in the Waitakere Ranges depending on the type of track you're looking for. Mokoroa Falls is a 1h 15m return walk from the car park. Kitekite Falls is close to Piha and will take 1h return, or Karekare Falls are a bit further south but are only 5 mins from the car park.

Featured in these Stories

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$89per night