Auckland Beaches: Piha

Piha: The surf rolls in around Lion Rock, once crowned by the Whakaari pa. - Gerri Eller/NZ.Com 1998

The dramatic Piha lagoon is a traditional retreat for city people.

Centrestage is the hulk of Lion Rock, once a key pa from which the Kawerau people defended the shoreline. They named the beach for the way the waves break around the rock.

Please note that, due to safety concerns associated with erosion of the rockface, access to the uppermost section of Lion Rock is prohibited. There are warning signs and barriers in place to this effect - please respect and obey them.

Piha: Casper makes a break for the surf. - Gerri Eller/NZ.Com 1998

A lazy seaside settlement has grown up here, and there are stunning walks through the encircling hills.

Piha: Phoebe and Heeni with Dad in the rockpools. - Gerri Eller/NZ.Com 1998

In heavy seas the surf erupts through gaps in the rocks to the south, and the water has worn a theatrical, keyhole-shaped fissure through one outcrop.

Piha: Boogie boarders at play in the Keyhole. - Gerri Eller/NZ.Com 1998

The Way

60 minutes drive from central Auckland. From the suburb of Glen Eden take West Coast Road and turn right onto Scenic Drive. Turn left onto Piha Road. The option is through Titirangi to Scenic Drive and Piha Road.

Nearby

The Arataki Visitors Centre provides maps, advice and education on the walks, natural and historic attractions in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. The park takes in Karekare and Piha, but the centre can also help people heading for Bethells-Te Henga or Muriwai. On Scenic Drive, 5kms outside Titirangi. Phone 09 817-8470.

The region's parks are administered by the Auckland Regional Council. Check out their Piha site for basic information, and reservations for camp and picnic sites, and guided walks. Or phone Parksline on 09 303-1530.

There's info about vineyards, adventure tours, arts and crafts and other attractions on the way to the beach at Enterprise Waitakere. Phone 09 837-1855 weekdays. Check out Waitakere City happenings at www.waitakere.govt.nz..

Near Piha, Rose Hellaby House is an antique and collectables shop open weekends and public holidays from 10am to 5pm. You can find it on Scenic Drive, 1km beyond the Piha turnoff. There are spectacular views back across the Waitakeres to the Manukau and Waitemata Harbours.

Reading Up

A great guide to the Auckland region includes in-depth coverage of the western coast: all laid out in a series of walks to key places. "A Field Guide to Auckland Exploring the Region's Natural and Historic Heritage" is by Cameron, Hayward and Murdoch (Godwit Press).

Weather and Surf

There are MetService forecasts at the MetService website and on 0900 999-09. Check out Piha surf conditions and happenings at Surf.co.nz.

Creature Comforts

All beaches offer patrolled swimming in summer, surfing, fishing, walks, picnic and BYO barbecue spots, toilets and parking. Piha and Muriwai are more developed than the other beaches, and there are basic shops and motorcamps. Muriwai also has a built-in barbecue site and an environmental history display.

A caution: These beaches are inviting but rough. Be careful in the water and on the rocks - see The Rules.