-	All photographs of Piha Beach

Piha is a small coastal settlement on the western coast of Auckland, in the North Island of New Zealand, Piha is located 28 kilometres west of Auckland city centre, on the Tasman Sea, north of the Manukau Harbour, on the edge of the Waitakere Ranges. Piha Beach is the birth place of surfing in NZ.

Piha, situated on Auckland’s wild western coast, has a secluded village atmosphere and a strong local spirit. The land in and around Piha was divided up and sold off by developers in the 1930’s, mostly for holiday homes, or “Baches” as the Kiwi’s like to call them, which were taken up mostly by Aucklander’s for weekend getaways. Today most of the local people know each other, living in homes scattered throughout the rainforest covered hillside overlooking the Tasman Sea. It's your typical harmonious blend of young surfers, old surfers, artists, recreational fishermen, retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, beach bums, day trippers and holidaying visitors.

On your way out to Piha from Auckland you will pass through the stunning Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Don’t forget to stop at the Arataki Visitors Center and pick up info and maps for the many walks and hiking trails throughout the Waitakere Ranges. There are some magnificent views as you pass through the park before you come around a bend in the road that opens up to a stunning coastal view.

Down in the village you will find everything you need within walking distance. Heading down Piha Rd. you will pass the fire station, post office, library, public bathrooms and the famous Piha Store before crossing over the foot bridge to the beach. The Piha Store boasts selling the country's best meat pies, and they could be right, it gets my vote. There is also the remarkable West Coasts gallery, which is a must see.

Piha's Lion Rock dominates Piha beach, separating the North and South Beaches. On the beach the first thing that you will notice is the black iron sands that dominate this coast. The wild west coast gets its name for a reason. Piha surf, is one of the most popular and one of the most dangerous surf beaches in the country. The two surf clubs are both volunteer organizations installed in the heart of this small community. In the summer they provide lifeguards who patrol the beach and make dramatic rescues every day. Usually it's novice surfers getting caught in the rip, risking being smashed against the rocks, or fishermen getting washed off the rocks. It can get dangerous even for strong swimmers.

Piha offers a few accommodation options, the camping ground is a popular place to pitch a tent or park your campervan, there are plenty of bed and breakfasts. Homestays and farmstays are an interesting option. You can rent self contained cottages, holiday houses, and caravans. Accommodation is in high demand throughout the summer season. Staying in a DOC campsite in the park is a possibility. Another great way to see this region is with a campervan or motorhome.