Piha Beach
Piha
Auckland's best-known black sand beach on the west coast, with Lion Rock standing in the middle. A surfing hotspot with spectacular sunsets.
Piha lies about 40 km west of the city centre, roughly a 45-minute drive over the Waitākere Ranges. Here you'll find a black beach of iron sand and, in the middle, Lion Rock, which resembles a crouching lion. A track leads partway up Lion Rock for views. Piha is one of the birthplaces of surfing in New Zealand and the filming location of the documentary Piha Rescue. The Tasman Sea produces big waves and strong rip currents, so swim only within the area marked by lifeguard flags. In midsummer, the black sand can be scorching hot at midday. You can combine your visit with the Kitekite Falls track. There is no public transport, so you'll need to drive or join a tour.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Kitekite Falls
- Te Henga / Bethells Beach & Lake Wainamu
- Muriwai Gannet Colony
- Waitākere Ranges & Arataki Visitor Centre
- Auckland Zoo
- Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)
- Auckland Harbour Bridge
- Mount Eden