Piha is a seaside village, 39 kilometres west of Auckland’s city centre, on the Tasman Sea coast to the north of the Manukau Harbour, on the western edge of the Waitākere Ranges. Immediately to the north of Piha is Whites Beach, and immediately to the south is Te Unuhanga-a-Rangitoto / Mercer Bay; land access to both is only by foot. The nearest beaches accessible by road are Karekare to the south, and Anawhata to the north. Black-sand Piha Beach is known for its strong surf and rugged scenery. It’s iconic Lion Rock is a volcanic monolith with war memorials and Maori carvings.
As well as two surf beaches there are also a sheltered lagoon and several streams in the area. The coastline and forested Waitākere Ranges offer a number of walks, or tramps, ranging from easy to very difficult including trails to waterfalls such as Kitekite and Fairy falls.
Piha is serviced by two Lifeguard patrols, a store, RSA and campground.
