Piha: Black Sand, Surfing and Kitekite Falls

Piha combines black sand with surfing and swimming, set amid a landscape of beach and forested hills. At Piha Beach, you can surf, sunbathe, picnic or fish; swimming is also popular in Piha. The Kitekite Falls Path also leads to a 40-metre-high waterfall. This gives you a range of interests to consider for your stay, rather than viewing Piha only as a beach destination.

Beach Time and Surfing at Piha Beach

Piha Beach is a black sand beach where people surf. If anyone in your travel group would like to get out on the water, there are also several surf schools near Piha Beach. They offer lessons for all ages and skill levels. This means you can include the question of whether a beach day should also involve a surf lesson in your shared travel plans.

There are other ways to spend the day at the same beach: you can sunbathe, picnic or fish. Piha is also a popular place to swim. Plan your beach day around your interests. Public toilets and changing rooms are located in the middle of Piha Beach, next to Moana Stream.

Waterfall Trail and Forested Hills

The Kitekite Falls Path leads to a 40-metre-high waterfall in about a 30-minute walk. The path includes paved gravel tracks and boardwalks. After heavy rain, visitors should avoid crossing streams and stay on the paths and boardwalks.

The forested hills around Piha Beach also offer opportunities for hiking and exploring. Wildlife can be observed in the hills behind Piha from trails near the beach. This means beach activities and exploring the hills can cater to different interests during your stay. When choosing a holiday rental in Piha, you can consider whether your stay will be shaped mainly by beach time, surfing or a trip along the Kitekite Falls Path.

Lion Rock and the Traditions of The Gap

Lion Rock lies between Piha Beach and North Piha Beach. To Te Kawerau, Lion Rock was known as Te Piha. The name connects this distinctive landmark with how it was referred to in this tradition. The Gap offers a different view of the landscape: it is a low-lying spot between Taitomo Island and the cliffs, where waves break during heavy swells.

The Gap is also part of a tradition: in Māori tradition, the spot was regarded as the lair of the famous taniwha Kaiwhare. If you are interested in the cultural significance of a place, these names and stories add another perspective to observing nature. At low tide, The Gap can be reached either along the coast or via the Tasman Lookout Track from the southern end of Piha Beach.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

The easiest way to reach Piha Beach is by car. Factor this into your considerations when thinking of Piha as a destination and a holiday rental as a base for your stay.

More destinations: Tauhoa, Waiwera, Puhoi, Clarks Beach, Waimauku, Bethells Beach, Kumeu and Port Waikato.

For the broader travel overview: Auckland.