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Beach · Auckland, Auckland
Piha
A black-sand beach on Auckland’s west coast, about 40 km from the city centre, between the Waitākere ranges and the Tasman Sea, with the Lion Rock rising from the sand.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Piha
Piha is on the west coast of the Auckland region, facing the Tasman Sea, about 40 km from the centre along a winding road through the Waitākere ranges. The beach has black sand, rich in iron from volcanic origin, and strong surf, popular with surfers year-round.
Rising from the middle of the beach is Lion Rock (Te Piha), a roughly 100-meter rock remnant of an ancient volcano that divides the sand into North Piha and South Piha. A short trail climbs partway up the rock to a viewpoint; access to the summit is restricted.
The surrounding ranges are part of the Waitākere Regional Park, with native forest of tree ferns and kauri. Some forest tracks may be closed to protect kauri from a root disease; check with the park before heading out. The village is small, with beach houses, a café and one shop.
Piha’s sea has strong currents and can change daily. Volunteer lifeguards from the local club watch an area marked by red-and-yellow flags on weekends and in summer; the advice is to swim only between those flags.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the beach and the Lion Rock viewpoint; a full day if you combine it with other west coast beaches.
Best time
From December to March, when lifeguards are on duty and the weather is more stable. Late afternoon is the most popular time to photograph Lion Rock against the sea. The black sand heats up a lot on sunny days.
How to get there
By car, about 45 minutes to 1 hour from central Auckland via the road across the Waitākere ranges. There is no regular public transport; in summer there are tours and tourist buses from the centre.
Tip
Wear flip-flops or sandals on the black sand, which can burn your feet in summer. Swim only between the lifeguards’ flags and avoid the sea outside supervised hours. Buy supplies beforehand: options in the village are limited.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Piha
How long does it take to get from Auckland to Piha?
About 45 minutes to an hour by car, for roughly 40 km on winding roads.
Is there a bus from Auckland to Piha?
There is no regular line. Without a car, the option is organized tours departing from the city center.
Can you swim at Piha?
Yes, but only in the area between the lifeguards’ red-and-yellow flags; lifeguards patrol the beach on weekends and in summer. The sea has strong currents.
Why is Piha’s sand black?
The sand is rich in iron ore of volcanic origin, typical of beaches on the west coast of the North Island.