Piha Beach is an amazing sight but after an hour or two I started to tire of it. Yes, the black sand is different (a bit harder to walk on, too) and the waves are some of the biggest I've ever seen but a beach is a beach is a ...
My partner on the other hand would have stayed there for our entire vist last January, even camped out there if he'd been able to.

I've been there several times and it never fails to amaze me. Even the roads getting there are beautiful.

The black sand beaches are awesome! And there is a hidden cove that if you follow a trail, you'll be glad you found. The climb up lions head is definately a work out, but the view is worth it.

Many single and married men have ...

piha beach is one of the major beach-attraction of auckland, along with mission bay. the lion rock is simply wonderful, with its history carved upon a big rock at the top to read. the view from the top of the rock is simply stunning - you can see water and greenery everywhere.
still, it's only an hour and a half's drive from auckland ...

Not a good plan to go here guys! Your small children will get caught by the viscious under tow and the lifeguards are too busy showing off their bodies to the filthy molls to help you.

The beach is dirty and there is nowhere to put your litter, i almost stepped on a needle.

In conclusion. Not impressed.

Piha Beach has something for everyone. The great rock is fun to climb (with stairs & ropes where needed to assist the young & elderly) and offers picturesque views of the wild west coast as it meets the native New Zealand bush. A placard near the top describes Piha at a time when only the native Maori used the beach. Locals know to do their ...

This is my favorite place on earth (of where Ive been). The ocean is incredibly powerful, and its at its best here. Caution should be taken when swimming and surfing here.

This is my favorite place in New Zealand and tied for first of all the places I've been. If you haven't been to the beach (ocean) much before this will seem amazing. The waves are huge, and the black sand is really cool to see. I love Piha even on a rainy day!

For the avid explorer, visiting Piha is not just about seeing the amazing beach and hiking Lion Rock (which are both very much worth the trip on their own!). It's also a beautiful drive through the Waitakeri Mountains and a nice escape from the traffic of Auckland. If you have a rental car, this is a must stop on your North Island adventure. The surfers and scenery are great free entertainment for the whole family.

I loved the atmosphere of Piha Beach and would go back there no problems at all. It would not even pass my mind i had that much fun and relaxed time.