Piha Beach Tours and Activities

Piha Beach featuring a sunset, a beach and swimming
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A remote and idyllic beach where striking emerald cliffs and lush rainforests meet black sandy shores and clear blue waters.

Located about 40 kilometres from Auckland on the west coast of the Waitakere Ranges, Piha Beach is a stunning black sand beach set in a dramatic landscape of imposing cliffs and subtropical rainforest.

Popular with surfers, it was here that board riding was first introduced to New Zealand by visitors who came over from California. Piha has its own local surf school were novices can learn to ride the waves. The surf can be pretty wild in this location, so it’s advisable to stay within areas that are regularly patrolled. You should also find out about expected conditions with local surf clubs before heading out on the water to surf or fish. Off the coast of Piha, you may be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the endangered Maui dolphins.

Back on dry land, take a hike through the rainforest to see New Zealand’s ancient kauri trees, before taking in the great views from the headland. One of the walking trails goes to KiteKite waterfall, which cascades 40 metres down over three tiers and into a clear pool – the perfect spot for a few scenic photos and to enjoy a swim.

The village of Piha itself has a small community and only has a local shop, a library, a camp site and a café. A short drive away in the Henderson valley meanwhile you’ll find pleasant restaurants and picturesque vineyards.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the area, there are campsites and cabins, as well as bungalows and bed and breakfast places dotted around the neighbourhood. Bear in mind that accommodation is limited, so it’s best to book your room well in advance, especially if you’re visiting in the busier months around Easter, June and July, or December.

Easy to reach by car, the drive through the Waitakere Ranges to Piha offers some breath-taking scenery. At Marine Parade South you’ll find free parking, although Piha doesn’t have a petrol station so make sure you fill up your vehicle at the village of Titirangi on the way.

Plan a trip to see Piha Beach

Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland
Hotel DeBrett
Airedale Boutique Suites
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Piha Beach

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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" "5 - Excellent 54.794520547945204%
4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 35.61643835616438%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 6.8493150684931505%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 1.82648401826484%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.91324200913242%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
19 Nov 2018

Nice beach about an hour away by car.

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Top Piha Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Naumi Auckland Airport
Naumi Auckland Airport
4.5 out of 5
153 Kirkbride Road, Auckland, Auckland
Naumi Auckland Airport
Roomie Apartment Hotel
Roomie Apartment Hotel
3.5 out of 5
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Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
Grand Millennium Auckland
Grand Millennium Auckland
4.5 out of 5
71 Mayoral Drive, Auckland
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Novotel Auckland Airport
Novotel Auckland Airport
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Novotel Auckland Airport
SkyCity Hotel
SkyCity Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
SkyCity Hotel
The Surrey Hotel
The Surrey Hotel
4 out of 5
465 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
The Surrey Hotel
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
2 Ascot Road, Auckland
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The Grand by SkyCity
The Grand by SkyCity
5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
The Grand by SkyCity
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.