Piha is a pretty special place, just 45 minutes from the Auckland CBD on New Zealand’s rugged West Coast. Once you are there it is pretty hard to believe you are so close to New Zealand’s largest city.
In summer you can smell the burning brake pads as you make the slow winding descent toward the packed Piha beach. Of course you can opt for the more expansive, but less interesting North Piha beach beyond Lion Rock, but for some reason this just doesn’t have the same appeal.
Some of my favourite visits have include a trip up to Kitekite Waterfall in the bush behind Piha, escaping the crowds and enjoying the freezing water above and below the falls on a stinking hot day.
In winter it is still a great destination on a stormy day to watch the rain roll in over the sea, and the wind lash the dunes. It is also a great time to make the trip to the blowhole at the southern end of the beach.
And if you are feeling energetic, a trip up Lion Rock (that divides North Piha from Piha proper) is worth it any time of year. Follow it up with a grease injection from the local fish and chip store, you will have earned it.
All together Piha is awesome, and another reason why I love Auckland.
Beautiful shot of Piha beach at sunset from piotrzurek on flickr
