Piha, New Zealand, is a rugged paradise on the country’s west coast, just a short drive from Auckland. Known for the black sand beaches, towering cliffs, and famous surf waves, Piha is a must visit for nature lovers, surfers, and anyone looking to escape the city vibes of Auckland.
With just one day in Piha to explore, you can hike the scenic trails, enjoy some time on the beach or grab a board and take to the waves!
Why Visit Piha
Piha offers a balance of natural beauty and adventure that makes it a must-visit spot on New Zealand’s North Island. From exploring the iconic black sand beach and famous Lion Rock, to hiking the lush bush trails that lead to stunning waterfalls, Piha certainly has enough to keep you busy in terms of activities. It’s a great place to experience the raw beauty of the North Island west coast while enjoying an easy day trip from Auckland.
Where is Piha?
Piha is located on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, about an hour by car from Auckland. It’s tucked away on the coastline between the Tasman Sea and the rainforest of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. It’s a popular destination for day trips, offering wild, untouched coastline without having to stray too far from the city.
Top Sights to See in Piha
- Lion Rock: The iconic volcanic formation that rises dramatically from Piha Beach. You’ll be able to see it whether you’re on Piha Beach or North Piha Beach, but you can walk right up and explore the rock itself.
- Piha Beach: It’s a bit of a must see when you go to Piha! The beach is a popular spot for people enjoying a walk along the waterfront as the sand is quite firm in places, or for those wanting to make the most of the waves and take their board out for a surf.
- Kitekite Falls: A stunning multi-tiered waterfall accessible via a short bush walk, perfect for a refreshing dip in the natural pools.
- North Piha Beach: A quieter part of the coast, ideal if you’re looking for a more secluded spot for real relaxation.
- Tasman Lookout Track: A short trail offering sweeping views of the coastline and the perfect spot to catch the sunset.
- Piha Lagoon: A peaceful area where the stream meets the ocean, popular for families and picnics. This is currently listed as not safe for swimming, but still a lovely place to walk by.
- Te Waha Point: For those who want to stretch their legs further, this hike provides incredible views of the cliffs and ocean.
Where to Eat in Piha
Piha may be small, but it offers a few cosy spots to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink:
- The Piha Store: A local staple that covers your coffee, bakery and local store needs. You’ll find a range of snacks, quick bites, and take-away options, ideal for beach picnics.
- Murray Piha: Amazing location on the beachfront, but this popular restaurant has quite limited opening hours so be sure to check before you visit.
- Surfside Bites and Brews: Another beachfront option, this place is the perfect spot for a meal with a stunning view.
- Piha Memorial RSA: Just up the road from the beach, Piha Memorial RSA is another restaurant option in Piha.
- Cones on the Beach: The clue is in the name but this is the spot for ice creams while you’re having fun on North Piha beach.
If you’re new to ‘small town New Zealand’ then just be aware that outside of peak season these places may not be open for business, even when Google suggests they will be. You’ll be able to find something, but may not have choice of all outlets in the town.
Things to Prebook
To make the most of your day in Piha, consider pre-booking the following:
- Surfboard Rentals: Piha is a surfer’s paradise, and it’s worth booking a surfboard or a lesson if you want to catch some waves. Don’t forget to check bookme discount website to see if you can grab a discounted lesson!
- Guided Bush Walks: If you’re interested in learning about the local flora and fauna, guided walks with local experts can add depth to your experience.
- Transport or Tours: If you prefer not to drive, book a day tour from Auckland, which includes transport and guided exploration of Piha’s highlights.
How to Get to Piha
Piha is easily accessible from Auckland, with a few options for getting there whether you’ve got your own set of wheels or not!
Car
This is the easiest and most convenient option. It’s a gorgeous drive, though not for the faint hearted or those who aren’t confident driving New Zealand’s winding mountain roads. Take Piha Road from central Auckland which offers beautiful views of the Waitākere Ranges along the way. If you’re not confident, just take your time and be sure to pull over when safe to allow traffic to pass you by.
To drive from Auckland to Piha takes about 45 minutes, depending where in the city you’re coming from.
Public Transport
New Zealand isn’t known for its extensive public transport, especially to small places like Piha. However there are a handful of shuttles that run from Auckland to Piha (and back again!). There are mixed reviews about the reliability of the shuttle service, but if you don’t want to drive then Trippy is an alternate option for you.
Organised excursion
Take the stress out of the day and book an organised excursion to Piha. It’s a touch more on the expensive side, but if it means you get to enjoy the journey and not worry about anything, it might be worth it! Companies such as Kiwi Road Tours offer flexible day trips out to Piha.
How to Get Around Piha
Piha is a small town, and while you can use a car to get around, you’d spend more time moving the car and finding a parking spot. Your best bet is to park up on the seafront car park and wander around on foot or hire a bike if going further afield.
If you want to venture a little further out and see the surrounding areas of Piha, jump in the car and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination…it’s a fun, winding drive!
When to Visit Piha
- Summer (December to February): Ideal for if you want to spend time relaxing on the beach and enjoying a swim in the sea, with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours.
- Autumn (March to May): A great time for hiking, as the temperatures cool down but are still pleasant. The trails and beaches are less crowded as it’s shoulder season, just keep an eye on when Easter falls as this will bring extra crowds.
- Winter (June to August): It can get chilly and wet, but this is a beautiful time to experience the rugged coastline and waterfalls without the crowds.
- Spring (September to November): Spring brings blooming native flora and a quieter atmosphere, making it the perfect time for nature walks and photography. If you’re lucky, you might get a warm day with hardly anyone else on the beach!
Where to Stay in Piha
Piha is the perfect day trip from Auckland, but if you want to really embrace nature and the small town life in New Zealand, then it’s also a great spot for an overnight stop. There aren’t a huge number of options to stay at due to it being such a small town, and it gets booked up far in advance so if you know you want to stay the night, be sure to book as soon as you can! As for where to stay…you can’t go far wrong wherever you choose in Piha!
How Long Do I Need to Visit Piha?
Piha is a compact town, so if you’re tight on time you could spend just a couple of hours doing a quick tour around to see the place. But, if you can spend the whole day in Piha it’ll be a much more relaxed experience, giving yourself time to relax on the beach and enjoy the town, with time to venture out to check out the waterfalls too.
Where Can I Get That Instagram Shot of Piha?
For the famous photo of Piha Beach shot from above, you’ll actually be able to get it as you drive in to Piha. As you arrive on Piha Road, there are two lay-bys where you can stop for the photo. If you don’t get to stop at the first one where you first spot the view in the distance then don’t worry, you’ll have another chance with the second lay-by just a few metres down the road.
It’s best to try and pull in to these lay-bys on your way in to Piha as it’s difficult and not entirely safe to pull in to them on the way out due to the bends and potentially fast-moving traffic.
Is Piha Worth Visiting?
Piha is a gorgeous spot on the coastline and is the perfect balance to the busy city of Auckland. The journey from Auckland to Piha is a fun drive, with absolutely stunning scenery, and the town of Piha itself is quaint and has a quiet charm. If you’re looking for a day trip from Auckland with plenty of nature and laid back vibes, then yes, Piha is absolutely worth visiting.
If you’re looking for a day trip that is full of sights, history, lots of food options and big crowds…Piha probably isn’t going to meet those needs.
Piha as a Solo Traveller
I visited Piha as a solo traveller, and absolutely loved it! Small towns like Piha often include super friendly and chatty locals, but if you want to meet people to spend the day with then either book the shuttle and check there’ll be other people on it too, or book on for a surfing lesson or guided bush walk.
It would be a great place to visit with someone else or a group of friends, but it’s also the perfect place if you like quiet reflection and spending time alone in nature.
Where Is Close By to Visit?
Piha Beach and the town of Piha are both quite small. You could easily spend as little as an hour here, or the whole day. If you want to make the most of your time, after exploring Piha and the beach for a few hours, there are a few nearby spots also worth visiting:
- Karekare Beach: Just a 15-minute drive south of Piha, this beach is known for its stunning scenery and dramatic landscape, and it’s usually quieter than Piha.
- Waitākere Ranges Regional Park: Explore more bush walks and waterfalls like the Cascade Kauri or Fairy Falls.
- Bethells Beach (Te Henga): Just north of Piha, Bethells is another beautiful black sand beach with unique caves to explore. Although it’s just up the coast, to get there you need to head back inland and it’s about 45 minutes to drive.
Spending a day in Piha is all about immersing yourself in New Zealand’s natural beauty and laid-back coastal vibes. Whether you’re hiking up to breathtaking viewpoints, taking a refreshing dip in waterfall pools, or simply unwinding on the black sands, Piha delivers an unforgettable experience. With its proximity to Auckland, it’s an easy yet rewarding destination for anyone looking to experience the best of New Zealand’s west coast, and is the perfect day trip from Auckland.
