Piha Beach
Piha Beach

Piha Beach

Free admission
Piha Beach, Piha

The Basics

Split in two by the towering Lion Rock, Piha is a scenic beach with grand views of the Tasman Sea stretching out to the horizon. Experienced surfers ride the thrilling breaks on the beach’s outer bar while people who fish enjoy the great conditions at Lion Rock and the Tasman Lookout. But keep in mind that Piha is known for its strong riptides and unpredictable waves, so can be particularly risky for surfers and fishers.

Piha Beach is a popular stop on half- and full-day West Coast sightseeing tours from Auckland. There are plenty of opportunities to explore nature from the village, including hikes through the Waitakere Ranges and the short, steep walk up Lion Rock. There are also a number of fantastic lookouts, including the Tasman Lookout at the southern end of the beach. If time is on your side, you can overnight in one of several accommodation options, from romantic bed and breakfasts to campsites and motor camps with room for the whole family.

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Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
US$106.50 per adult
Traveler Favorite
A Must!
Wonderful afternoon, excellent guides beautiful views! They even dropped me off which was fantastic. Would recommend!
Jessica_H, Sep 2023

Recent reviews from experiences in Auckland

Great way to see natural NZ!
star-5
Great way to see natural NZ!
Reed_S, Aug 2023
Piha Beach / Rainforest
This tour was wonderful! Brett took us to Piha beach and a nearby rainforest. The whole time he shared history and interesting facts about New Zealand while showing us the beautiful scenery. We walked around Piha beach and the cove and then had lunch in a village on the way back into town. It was a great experience!
Awesome experience
star-5
Awesome experience
Kdot01_G, Jul 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
Jason was a great guide and the views were spectacular. It was an awesome experience. Really appreciated the way they adapted based on weather and safety.
Afternoon tour. Lovely walk.
star-5
Afternoon tour. Lovely walk.
Julie_T, Sep 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
Tour guides were friendly and interesting. Stopped at a bakery to buy lunch if desired. Leisurely stroll, not too difficult, guide took into account fitness levels. Beautiful rainforest, beach was relaxing with a cuppa and biscuit afternoon tea.
Excellent personal tour
star-5
Excellent personal tour
Kevin_L, Jul 2023
West Coast Discovery - Piha Beach or Muriwai Beach from Auckland
Tour guide was extremely friendly and flexible, and navigated us around a maze of closed roads and trails to get where we wanted. At the time of writing, other larger tours were not able to take us to Piha, and doing this tour saved hours over trying to drive ourselves.
Enjoyable afternoon
star-5
Enjoyable afternoon
Wendy_C, Sep 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
Great afternoon, very relaxing and informative tour. Plenty of time to explore the beach and rainforest. Lovely bakery stop for lunch and afternoon tea provided.
Fun half day trip
star-5
Fun half day trip
Bruce_D, Aug 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
The black beach and the overlook were beautiful. Murray our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Very enjoyable half day trip.
excellent tour
star-5
excellent tour
Melinda, Aug 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
Our guide Murray was great--Full of knowledge. I loved the beach and the rainforest hike. Appreciated the tea and biscuits along the waterfront before heading back to Auckland.
Brett provided a...
star-5
Brett provided a...
Craig_L, Feb 2023
Piha Beach / Rainforest
Brett provided a memorable excursion through the rain forest and Piha Beach. Would recommend this trip for those who want to see the beauty of New Zealand.
Black sand and a rainforest
star-5
Black sand and a rainforest
Dante_G, May 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
Great tour guide and driver. Loved walking along the black sand of Piha beach. The demonstration with a magnet on the sand yielded an amazing result. Great to hike through the rainforest and see plants unique to this part of the world.
Great Beach and Rainforest Tour
star-5
Great Beach and Rainforest Tour
Anne_D, Aug 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
Glad we took this tour. Milt and Michelle were terrific tour guides. Huia Lookout and rainforest and beach walks were highlights of the day.
The tour guides, Tony and...
star-5
The tour guides, Tony and...
edward_c, Aug 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
The tour guides, Tony and Kevin, were excellent. They were knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Super good hosts
Magical black sand.
star-5
Magical black sand.
Alannah_W, Aug 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
I really enjoyed this trip. The beach we went to was Cornwallis beach because advertised tour was unavailable due to flooding damage but still an excellent tour.
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Things to Know Before You Go

  • Piha Beach is ideal for surfers, fisherfolk, and those seeking a day on the beach and in nature.

  • At the top of Lion Rock, you can rest at apou whenua erected in the memory of Ngati Tangiaro Taua, an ancestress of the localiwi (Māori tribe), Te Kawerau ā Maki.

  • If you’re looking for a bite to eat, drop in at the Piha Cafe up on Garden Road, or at the Piha Surf Lifesaving Club down by the shore.

  • In summer, swim between the red and yellow flags, and get to know the lifeguards of the famous-in-New-Zealand TV show “Piha Rescue.”

  • The beach offers wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Although it may be hard to find accessible parking, drivers can drop off guests and find a spot.

  • Bring sunscreen, insect repellent and (if you plan to go for a hike) a sturdy pair of shoes. Consider a wetsuit outside of summer.

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How to Get There

Piha is on the other side of the Waitakere Ranges from the rest of Auckland, so getting there involves quite a bit of driving. The easiest way from central Auckland is to follow the Northwestern Motorway to the Te Atatu Road turnoff (first left off the Harbour Bridge). Follow Urban Route 13 until you reach Piha Road, then follow Piha Road through the Waitakere Ranges to Piha Beach.

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Trip ideas

Top Auckland Neighborhoods

Top Auckland Neighborhoods


When to Get There

Piha Beach is wildly popular in the summer months, the best time for swimming and surfing. If you’re keen on avoiding the crowds, try visiting on a weekday in late January or early February, when Auckland workers have finished their New Year holidays and are back in the office. Otherwise, head to the beach early to guarantee parking (or book your accommodation well in advance).

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Swimming at Piha Beach

Piha Beach is a popular swimming hole, but it’s also notorious for its powerful riptides and strong waves. Because of this, Piha Beach’s Lifeguard Service recommends that if you do go in the water, swim only in the patrolled area, typically marked by giant red and yellow flags. If there are no flags and no lifeguards, it’s best not to take the risk—stay out of the water.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Piha Beach?
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in Auckland?
A:
As well as visiting the Piha Beach, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: