Piha Beach Tours and Activities

Piha Beach featuring a sunset and general coastal views


Take to the black sand and rolling surf of Piha Beach for epic surfing and serene rainforest walks.

Located on the western coast of the Waitakere Ranges, 40 kilometres from Auckland, the dramatic Piha Beach is framed by looming cliffs and subtropical rainforest. The village of Piha is small, consisting of just a library, camping grounds, a shop and a café. During the holidays, visitors flock to the area, meaning that accommodation, whether in the form of a B&B or a pitch in the local campsite, is at a premium, so it's best to book well in advance if you plan to visit during these periods. As you might expect, there aren't many dining options in Piha, but Henderson Valley, with its vineyards and restaurants, is just a short drive away.Piha Beach, often referred to as the country's most famous surf beach, is where Malibu board riding was first introduced to New Zealand by two visiting Californian lifeguards. There is a local surf school that will introduce you gently to the local waves. Be warned – the surf can be quite wild here, so you are encouraged to stick to patrolled areas and check with local clubs before heading out onto the waters.If you're more comfortable on solid ground, there are a variety of walking trails along coastal headlands and through the nearby rainforest. While here you can take the opportunity to wander amid the area's ancient kauri trees, once threatened by logging activities. Make sure to pack your camera and swimming gear if you're heading for Kitekite Falls. The water of the falls tumbles down 40 metres over the course of 3 tiers and makes for a wonderfully picturesque photo opportunity.The easiest way to access Piha Beach is by car, with a scenic drive through the Waitakere Ranges. It's advisable to make a pit stop at Titirangi along the way as there are no petrol stations in Piha.

Plan a trip to see Piha Beach

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Abstract Hotel
Mercure Auckland Queen Street
Marsden Viaduct Hotel

Reviews of Piha Beach

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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" "5 - Excellent 54.794520547945204%
4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 35.61643835616438%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 6.8493150684931505%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 1.82648401826484%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0.91324200913242%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice beach about an hour away by car.

Popular places to visit


Top Piha Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
Novotel Auckland Airport
Novotel Auckland Airport
4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
Novotel Auckland Airport
The Surrey Hotel
The Surrey Hotel
4 out of 5
465 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
The Surrey Hotel
Grand Millennium Auckland
Grand Millennium Auckland
4.5 out of 5
71 Mayoral Drive, Auckland
Grand Millennium Auckland
Manha Hotel Auckland Airport
Manha Hotel Auckland Airport
3 out of 5
36 Pavilion Drive Mangere, Auckland
Manha Hotel Auckland Airport
Abstract Hotel
Abstract Hotel
4 out of 5
8 Upper Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland, Auckland
Abstract Hotel
Rydges Auckland
Rydges Auckland
4.5 out of 5
59 Federal Street Cnr Kingston Street, Auckland
Rydges Auckland
The Grand by SkyCity
The Grand by SkyCity
5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
The Grand by SkyCity
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport
4.5 out of 5
63 Westney Road, Auckland
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.