New Zealand Travel Destination: Piha Beach｜The Wild Charm of West Coast Black Sand and Lion Rock

📍Location: Piha Beach, situated on Auckland's west coast in the Waitākere Ranges, is renowned for its black sand beach and the iconic Lion Rock. 🚗Transportation: About a 45–50 minute drive via Scenic Drive into the mountains. On weekends, it's recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid traffic. 📝Personal Experience Stepping onto Piha Beach, I am always amazed by the dark black sand—it has a unique warmth and rough texture underfoot, as if each step treads on volcanic history. Facing Lion Rock, I can't help but walk along the beach, snapping photos. The rock stands like a loyal guardian, with the black sand and crashing waves creating a striking contrast. The waves have a temper, crashing relentlessly, reminding you that this is not a resort but a raw, untamed wilderness. Beginners are advised to swim between the flags, especially in summer when lifeguards are on duty, offering a sense of safety while still letting you feel the ocean's power. I love visiting during the evening when the sunlight slants across the rocks and wave crests, setting the sea ablaze with golden hues. The atmosphere is both romantic and wild. I even tried climbing partway up Lion Rock. From the midway point, the view of the black sand stretching into the deep blue ocean feels like a grand poem. Then, venturing into the trails, listening to birdsong and seeing the interplay of shadows in the forest, I truly felt the rhythm of the silent Waitākere forest harmonizing with the waves. Even if you're not surfing, holding a cup of coffee and strolling along the beach allows you to experience Piha's strong personality: free-spirited, wild, and uncompromising. This is a place where the soul breathes and the senses awaken.