Piha Beach
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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
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
US$108.28 per adult
Traveler Favorite
Great trip
Really enjoyable trip with some stunning scenery and the host was excellent. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
Patrick_C, May 2023

Recent reviews from experiences in Auckland

Brett provided a...
star-5
Brett provided a...
Craig_L, Feb 2023
Piha Beach
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.
An adventure to remember!
star-5
An adventure to remember!
Linda_Z, Jan 2023
Piha Beach
This was an amazing tour and an adventure that we will always remember! We visited the Rainforest and were rewarded with a great view of the waterfalls, plants, trees, and birds. On our visit to Piha Beach, we explored the Beach and rock formations at low tide. Brett was a great guide, providing us with history, insights, and encouragement.
Worth doing!
star-5
Worth doing!
Sharon_C, Apr 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
They picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel so it’s super convenient. Our guides Burkhart and Milton were fun and engaging. Our tour was modified due to the Cyclones earlier in the year and Piha beach is still closed to visitors, but they made up for that beautifully and I had a great day. Slight snafu getting us all back to our hotels but I would recommend these guys for sure!
Great trip
star-5
Great trip
Patrick_C, May 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
Really enjoyable trip with some stunning scenery and the host was excellent. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
An unforgettable trip
star-5
An unforgettable trip
Alexandra_O, May 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
The tour guides were absolutely amazing and funny. The trip covered educational aspects as well as fun aspects. We went to sites on the trip that weren't specified outright which made thing all the better. Only would like to note that due to the recent cyclone we wouldn't be able to visit the beach advertised, but the one they took us to was equally as stunning and interesting as my pov. I would reccomend bringing waterproof shoes for this trip.
Our trip was re-designed...
star-4
Our trip was re-designed...
JING_L, Apr 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
Our trip was re-designed because the Piha beach was inaccessible due to the damages caused by cyclone. The communication with the tour operator was smooth and clear. We were a group of 12 with different levels of physical ability, the tour guide was considerate enough to offer two hiking options to engage everyone.
Great fo an afternoon!
star-5
Great fo an afternoon!
Raul_H, May 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
Great tour to see some of New Zealand without spending the whole day doing so. Our guides were awesome and knowledgeable of all things nature New Zealand. I highly recommend this tour.
Great day out of the city!
star-5
Great day out of the city!
Sarah_F, May 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
My friends and I had a lovely day escaping the city and exploring the Waitakere ranges. It’s a pity that the roads to Piha are still closed but the alternative arrangements exceeded our expectations - the views were absolutely stunning! We were lucky that the weather was good on the day of our tour. Jason and Tony were wonderful guides too - friendly, funny, informative, and happy to answer any questions we had. All in all it was an afternoon well spent :)
Excellent tour for non-hikers wanting to experience the natural side of New Zealand.
star-5
Excellent tour for non-hikers wanting to experience the natural side of New Zealand.
David_V, Feb 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
Burkhard and Michelle were excellent hosts on this trip. The short walk through the rainforest was informative and beautiful. The Piha Beach stop was interesting to see the black sand. We never felt rushed, and the refreshment set up at the beach stop was a really nice touch. We were lucky to see another side of New Zealand with this tour.
We really enjoyed the...
star-5
We really enjoyed the...
Bronwen_D, May 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
We really enjoyed the commentary provided by the guide and the driver. The rainforest walk was very informative too.
Great excursion !!
star-5
Great excursion !!
JOAN_E, Apr 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
Great day out with beautiful scenery and education on locations. Kevin the guide and Tommo the driver were excellent. Recommend this day tour to everyone !!
Afternoon tour.
star-5
Afternoon tour.
John_A, Jan 2023
Afternoon Black Sand Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
This was an enjoyable afternoon 4.5 hours tour that took us to see a beautiful part of Auckland and the north island. Piha beach was wonderful and the hike in the Waitekere Rain Forest was so beautiful and informative. Our guide, Wayne, was constantly giving information or telling jokes which kept us all entertained. Well done !!!
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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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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: