Piha Beach

About

Piha is the west coast beach Aucklanders think of first, forty minutes over the Waitākere Ranges from the city. Black iron sand, heavy surf, and Lion Rock standing in the middle of it. The drive in is winding and the descent to the beach is steep. The surf is dangerous. Rips here are strong and unpredictable, and the beach is patrolled by surf lifesaving only at certain times of year and only between the flags. Swim between them or don't swim. Outside patrol season, treat it as a beach for walking rather than swimming. That aside, it's spectacular, and the walk north to the blowhole or south towards Mercer Bay repays the effort. There's a small store and limited facilities. No charge, but parking fills early on fine weekends through summer.