| Karioitahi Beach | |
| Type: | Beach |
| Map: | New Zealand |
| Relief: | yes |
| Location: | Auckland Region, New Zealand |
| Coordinates: | -37.2828°N 174.654°W |
| Water Bodies: | Tasman Sea |
Karioitahi Beach is a black sand beach located in the southwest of the Auckland region, on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island. The nearest major town is Waiuku, about 8 km inland.
It is a rugged and windswept environment, popular for activities including surfing, fishing, horse riding, off-road motorcycling and, most notably, paragliding.
Karioitahi, along with the greater Āwhitu Peninsula was formed by the build up of successive sand dunes, over the course of the past two million years. The iron oxide sand of the beach originated from eroded deposits from Mount Taranaki, and deposits from North Island Volcanic Plateau which have flowed along the Waikato River.[1]
A number of freshwater lakes formed behind Karioitahi Beach in the hollows of these sand dunes,[1] including Lake Otamatearoa, Lake Puketi, Lake Rotoiti and Lake Whatihua.
In 1950 Land Information New Zealand designated "Karioitahi" to be the official name,[2] replacing an older spelling "Kariotahi".[3] However, the spelling "Kariotahi" is still occasionally used.[4] The local surf club uses yet another spelling: "Kariaotahi".[5]
The local surf club, originally named 'Kariaotahi Surf Life Saving Patrol Inc' and later renamed in 2006 to be 'Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi Inc', was founded in 1969. Patrols operate on all weekends and public holidays from Labour Weekend in October to March or early April, with minimum patrolling hours being 1100 hrs–1600 hrs Oct/Nov/March/April and 1100 hrs–1700 hrs Dec/Jan/February.[6] Weekday patrols (1000 hrs–1800 hrs) are run from mid-December until late January.[6]
SLS Kariaotahi has been recognised with several club and individual awards over its history:
SLS Kariaotahi used to be identified at competitions by an orange and chocolate-brown quarter-cap but has since adopted the colours of red, white and black which is in line with other sports teams from the region, such as the Counties Manukau rugby union team.
SLS Kariaotahi lifeguards actively compete in canoe racing and IRB racing, which are team events. Both disciplines produced medal-winning performances at the 2011 Northern Region District Championships held at Ruakaka.[10]
The southern end of the beach and cliff, known as Maioro, is commonly used for by local paragliding schools for training beginner pilots. Qualified paraglider pilots are advised against flying in the area, thus leaving it safe and clear for beginners.