Thing to do
Rangitoto Island
Auckland's youngest volcano, a short ferry ride from the city, with a summit walk over lava fields, lava caves and the world's largest pōhutukawa forest.
Piha Beach
Black-sand surf beach on the Tasman Sea coast 39 km west of the city, divided by Lion Rock and backed by the forested Waitākere Ranges.
At a glance
- Type
- West coast surf beach
- Area
- West Coast, Auckland, New Zealand
Good to know
- Lifeguard patrols in summer
- Walking tracks
- Waterfall nearby
Why we recommend it
Piha is the best known of Auckland's wild west coast beaches, 39 kilometres west of the city centre on the Tasman Sea. The forested Waitākere Ranges lie behind the beach, and the only access road passes Lion Rock as it descends to the sea. Surf, black sand and native bush define the landscape.
Lion Rock, known as Te Piha, divides the beach into North and South Piha. It is the eroded neck of a volcano around 16 million years old, named for its resemblance to a lion lying down, and was the site of Whakaari pā. A memorial to local sawmillers who served in the First World War was unveiled on the rock in 1919. The traditional name Te Piha, describing the pattern of waves breaking against the rock, was later applied to the whole area.
The black sand owes its colour to a high iron content. Piha is also the birthplace of New Zealand board riding, dating from 1958, and has hosted national and international surfing championships. Two surf lifesaving clubs patrol in summer, with Piha Surf Life Saving Club covering the beach south of Lion Rock and United North Piha Lifeguard Service the north. The beach is famous in New Zealand through Piha Rescue, the television series about its lifeguards.
Safety needs real attention here. Rip currents are unpredictable and can shift quickly, and many drownings happen outside patrol hours or when rock fishers are swept off rocks. Swim only between the red and yellow flags while lifeguards are on duty, and stay off exposed rocks in big swells.
There is more to do than swim. About two kilometres inland, Kitekite Falls on the Glen Esk stream can be reached on a bush walk, with a picnic area at the base. The Gap, around a kilometre south of South Piha, has a lagoon and a blowhole at low tide, and Mercer Bay lies beyond, reachable only on foot. Parts of the Waitākere Ranges have been closed to protect kauri from dieback disease, so check track status before you set off.
Allow most of a day, ideally with a car, and pack food and water. Piha suits surfers, walkers and photographers, and families come in summer when the lifeguards are on patrol.
Piha Beach FAQs
How far is Piha from Auckland?
Piha is 39 kilometres west of the city centre, across the Waitākere Ranges.
Is Piha safe for swimming?
Only between the red and yellow flags during lifeguard patrols. Rip currents are strong and unpredictable.
Is Piha patrolled?
Yes, in summer. Piha Surf Life Saving Club patrols south of Lion Rock and United North Piha Lifeguard Service the north.
Why is the sand black?
It has a high iron content from volcanic sources.
What is Lion Rock?
An eroded volcanic neck around 16 million years old that separates North and South Piha and was once the site of Whakaari pā.
Are there walks near Piha?
Yes. Kitekite Falls is about two kilometres inland, and The Gap and Mercer Bay lie to the south.
Are the Waitākere Ranges tracks open?
Some areas have been closed to protect kauri from dieback, so check track status before you go.
Can you surf at Piha?
Yes. It is the birthplace of New Zealand board riding and hosts surfing championships.