Piha: Black Sand, Surf and Forested Hills

Piha combines a black sand beach, surf and forested hills. Activities on the water take centre stage at Piha Beach, while trails also lead into the landscape behind the shore. Lion Rock and The Gap are distinctive landmarks along the coast, and a trail leads to a 40-metre waterfall. Piha offers more than just a beach stay.

Beach and Water Activities

Piha Beach is a black sand beach for surfing; Piha is also considered a popular place to swim. At the beach, you can sunbathe, picnic or fish. If swimming is part of your plans, take current safety advice about bathing conditions into account. Public toilets and changing rooms are located in the middle of Piha Beach, beside Moana Stream.

Several surf schools around Piha Beach offer lessons for all ages and skill levels. Providers may change. If surf lessons are important to your stay, check in advance which options are currently available.

Waterfall and Forested Hills

The forested hills around Piha Beach offer opportunities for hiking and exploring. From trails near Piha Beach, you can spot wildlife in the hills behind Piha. The Kitekite Falls Path leads to a 40-metre waterfall in about a 30-minute walk. The route has compacted gravel paths and boardwalks. After heavy rain, avoid crossing streams and stay on the paths and boardwalks. The waterfall is a clearly named destination; the hills also offer opportunities to get to know the landscape while hiking and exploring.

Landmarks and Māori Tradition

Lion Rock lies between Piha Beach and North Piha Beach. For Te Kawerau, Lion Rock was known as Te Piha. The Gap is a low-lying area between Taitomo Island and the cliffs, where waves break during heavy swells. In Māori tradition, The Gap was considered the lair of the famous taniwha Kaiwhare. The two places connect the coastal landscape with cultural references in different ways: Lion Rock is associated with the name Te Piha, while The Gap is linked to the story of Kaiwhare.

Getting There and Planning Your Stay

The easiest way to reach Piha Beach is by car. At low tide, The Gap can be reached either along the coast or via the Tasman Lookout Track from the southern end of Piha Beach. Take the tides and surf conditions into account, and check them before setting out.

When looking for a hotel in Piha, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: do you mainly want to spend time at the beach, or also include trails in the hills and the waterfall? If you want to experience both, beach activities and trails in the forested surroundings can form different parts of your plans.

Discover more destinations: Mangere, Helensville, Stanmore Bay, Waiwera, Wellsford, Karaka, Dairy Flat, Takanini

For the main travel guide: Auckland.