Piha Beach and Lion Rock

Piha is a wide black-sand surf beach dominated by the Lion Rock headland. Swim between the flags where the surf club patrols, walk the beach at low tide for the rock pools and the Gap, or climb the Lion Rock track for the view. The drive in through the ranges is half the fun.

Good to know

• Swim only between the flags, rips are strong
• Low tide is best for walking to the Gap
• Parking fills up on summer weekends, arrive early

Best time

Morning or late afternoon; sunset is great

Open

All year

Getting there

Sealed winding road from Auckland, car parks by the beach

Vehicles

Fine in any car

Dogs

Dogs on a lead

Facilities

• Picnic tables
• Rubbish bins
• Toilets

The location is approximate. Check the official website before you go.

Data: Roadtrip. Things change: check opening times, prices and rules before you go.