Piha Black Sand Beach

There is nothing quite like leaving the city in order to head directly to the beach, leaving behind the mass creation of noise pollution in favour of noise nature cannot help but offer you. Piha is no exception. Located only 40km outside of Auckland City there is no excuse not to escape to the fresh air and relaxation Piha has to offer.

"a leisurely walk in to the Waitakere Ranges"

Famous for its position as the surf spot of New Zealand, the unforgiving currents of the pacific ocean means that swimming and surfing can sometimes be out of the question, so the lifeguards at the beach are serious when they say 'steer clear of the water'. If you stay between the flags where the lifeguards are on patrol you'll be perfectly safe. However, Piha can offer much more than surf alone.

When arriving in the Piha domain, instead of heading directly to the beach take some time to head inland slightly for a leisurely walk in to the Waitakere ranges, notably the Kitekite track. This walk takes around twenty minutes, through a vibrant range of native plants and trees, until you reach the Kitekite falls, an impressive, hidden away three tier waterfall. The trees shelter you from the wind and even though the water is freezing it is worth forcing yourself in as the sun warms you the moment you get out and you are ready to hit the beach.

"Piha's Black Sand Beach.... spectacular Lion Rock"

Piha's black sand beach is impressive in itself and regardless of the wind will most definietly warm your feet and is perfect for a day on the beach soaking up some vitamin D overlooked by the spectacular Lion Rock. Walking up the rock is not as daunting as it looks from down on the beach. The steps will take you roughly 15 minutes and depending upon time of year you can either go straight to the top or to a level near to the top. Either way you get spectacular views of Piha beach.

After all of this activity you can treat yourself to a Blair's burger, reportedly the best burger bar west of Auckland. For $6 it really is a very good burger and the chips are even more impressive.

After a very good feed you can either park your van and watch the afternoon fly by in to the sunset and then in to the following sunrise, or head back to the city feeling fresh and relaxed. Either way a visit to Piha to escape the usual city life is not to be missed.

If you're in Auckland come along on the Nomads day trip to Piha.. here is a short video made in association with 100% Pure New Zealand's Go All The Way campaign of our very own Piha Day trip....