Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Piha
If you notice an Auckland surfer dude with a faraway look, chances are they're daydream-
ing about Piha… or just stoned. This beautifully rugged, iron-sand beach has long been a
favourite for refugees from the city's stresses - whether for day trips, weekend teenage
parties or family holidays.
Although Piha is popular, it's also incredibly dangerous, with wild surf and strong un-
dercurrents; so much so that it's spawned its own popular reality TV show,
Piha Rescue
.
If you don't want to inadvertently star in it, always swim between the flags, where life-
guards can provide help if you get into trouble.
Piha may be bigger and more populated than Karekare, but there's no supermarket, li-
quor shop, bank or petrol station, although there is a small general store that doubles as a
cafe, takeaway shop and post office.
Sights & Activities
The view of the coast as you drive down Piha Rd is spectacular. Perched on its haunches
near the centre of the beach is
Lion Rock
(101m), whose 'mane' glows golden in the even-
ing light. It's actually the eroded core of an ancient volcano and a Maori
pa
site. A path at
the south end of the beach takes you to some great lookouts. At low tide you can walk
south along the beach and watch the surf shooting through a ravine in another large rock
known as the
Camel
. A little further along, the waves crash through the
Gap
and form a safe
swimming hole. A small colony of blue penguins nests at the beach's north end.
For surfboard hire, refer to the Piha Store and Piha Surf Shop listings.
Sleeping & Eating
Piha Beachstay - Jandal Palace
( 09-812 8381;
www.pihabeachstay.co.nz
;
38 Glenesk Rd; dm $33, r $80-120; )
Attractive and eco-
friendly, this wood-and-glass lodge has extremely smart facilities. It's 1km from the beach
but there's a little stream at the bottom of the property and bushwalks nearby. In winter an
open fire warms the large communal lounge.
HOSTEL
$
Piha Domain Motor Camp
CAMPSITE
$
