Piha Beach, Auckland

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I have to admit that it's been ten years since i visited Piha at the turn of the century in 1999/2000, but i will never forget the experience. My 16-year-old daughter and i were visiting a friend in Auckland and he brought us out to Piha. We had never seen a black sand beach before and were amazed by the beauty of it. I still have pictures of my daughter playing in the waves. It was one of the most joyous moments of her life. Lion Rock brought tears to my eyes. As Americans living in the Midwest we had never experienced such a breath-taking vista and it will stay with us forever. Perhaps those who live around such wonders on a daily basis forget to notice them, but to us it was like being in Paradise. We will never forget our visit to Piha.

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 said that it would be the perfect place for a romantic setting, and the sunsets help that fact for sure.

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 city, so its relatively close. the way to piha beach is full of greenery and hairpin turns - simply amazing!! the waitakere ranges look great!!!

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 sunning on the leeward side of the rock, as the winds can get strong here. The mineral rich black sands interplay with the lighter sands creating interesting patterns and effects. Piha is a favorite for experienced surfers and boogie boarders, but beginners should think twice and use extra care, always staying within the lifeguards' flags, as the strong riptide results in frequent rescues and occasional deaths. Children will enjoy playing in the sand dunes and warm pools created by the fresh water stream that meets the ocean.

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.