Piha - The perfect start of our roadtrip

Native forest, shimmering black sand and epic coastal lookouts. Piha beach was the first stop on our New Zealand road trip and it was the perfect start. Big waves make it a surfers paradise and a cool place to soak up the sun.

7 Things to do in Piha: our favourites

Discover the black coastline

Have you ever seen a black beach before? I hadn't. It's definitely something to check off your New Zealand to see list. The sand shimmers beautifully when the sun is out but gets hot so wearing slippers is a good idea. There are several more coastal towns that offer this.

Climb the lion rock

You haven't visited Piha properly if you did not climb the Lion Rock. It offers you spectacular views in every direction. The walk up is easy, takes about 10 minutes and ends on a grassy shoulder somewhere in the middle. This is a good place for a picnic or a sunrise. You can't mis it, it's the big rock in the middle of the beach.

Watch the surfers

(or try surfing yourself)

Piha is a famous spot for catching waves. We didn't try it ourselves, as our surf retreat was planned later on in the surf town Raglan. But it was nice to see many attempt. Famous for its big waves and fun surf schools, Piha is a surfers paradise. But nevertheless it is a dangerous spot and you should know what you are getting into. There is a famous television show called 'PihaRescue' featuring the surf life saving club in this beach rescuing surfers from the riptides.

Walk to the Tasman lookout point

The hike to the Tasman lookout point is an easy 10 minute walk uphill that gives you a gorgeous view of the Lion rock and the black sand of north Piha beach. It's a short walk that starts right next to the carpark and leads to an open viewing platform. We did this early in the morning and watched the sun rise from behind the mountains. This is also a great spot to look at the surfers down below. Online we found that you can continue your path to a hidden beach (you can spot it from the platform) and a blowhole cave, but this can be a bit dangerous with loose rocks and massive drops into the ocean below. We chose to go back to the camping area (right next to the beach!) and enjoyed our breakfast.

Enjoy a memorable sunset/sunrise

There are loads of great spots to watch the sunrise at Piha. We choose to see one from the Lion rock and one from the Tasman lookout point. But watching from your camping chair next to the van will work out just fine to. The sun rises from behind the mountains and gives the lush green forest a nice glow. It is definitely worth waking up for early and gives your day a happy start.

In the evening you don't have to go climbing lookout points to have the best seat. Just find a nice spot on the beach and enjoy. Watching the round shaped sun disappear into the ocean, wonderful.

Hike to the Kitekite falls

This was our personal highlight. The Kitekite falls are just mesmerising. It descends into 2 different swimming pools, one in the middle and one down below. The walking track leads you to the top of the waterfall providing a great lookout over the valley. Don't forget your swimming attire (if you don't mind the cold water) and get ready for a natural shower. We've spent the entire afternoon hiking, swimming and taking pictures.

Other waterfalls in the area to discover: Fairy falls, Karekare falls.

Drive the scenic route

When you are visiting this coastal town, not driving the scenic route is not an option. The scenic route is actually the street name of the road leading up to Piha. It's the only way in and a must see. It runs trough Waitakere ranges National Park, a park with gorgeous native bush. The road gives you spectacular views of the ocean below. Just before arriving you have a panorama view of the Lion rock and the coastline.

Where did we stay?

We parked our bright green campervan at the 'Piha domain motor camp'. A campsite with

a pathway directly to the beach. We stayed here for two nights. The site offers clean toilets and hot showers and has a little store across the street that offers fresh coffee. If you like ducks than you are at the right place!

$20 NZD pp for a non powered site

$22 NZD for a powered site

Shower: 6 min each

Wifi: First 30 min are free

Dumpstation: No

Store: Rather expensive, but friendly!

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