Whatipu is a remote beach on the west coast of the Auckland Region in the North Island of New Zealand. As of 2012, the Whatipu area is utilized as a scientific reserve. The road to it is unsealed, and beach access is poorly signposted from the end of the road. To the south of Whatipu is Manukau Harbour. To the north is Karekare. Whatipu is located at the southern end of the Waitakere Ranges. Shifting sands have substantially changed the beach since the 1940s.