2025 Piha Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Follow me and I will share more information about New Zealand 📍 Piha Beach Recommended Adventure 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 Convenient parking 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 Willingness to revisit 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 It has been rainy in Auckland recently, so I took advantage of the rare good weather and came to Piha beach! Because of the strong winds and rainstorms at the beginning of the year, his road was closed for a while, but it has now been opened. However, some places are still one-way traffic, so please pay attention! We found that Piha is divided into North Piha and South Piha. Today we entered from South Piha. There were not too many parking spaces and there were many people surfing! The black sand beach is very smooth and it is very comfortable to walk on it barefoot! The vast sea view and magnificent rocks are amazing #familytravel #localtravel

#tesaruonbudget Just outside Auckland lies the wild beauty of the Waitakere Ranges. This regional park is full of rainforest walks, waterfalls, and rugged beaches. While some tracks have restrictions due to conservation efforts, many remain open and free to explore. For #tesaruonbudget travelers, it’s the perfect escape from the city without paying for long tours or transport. Highlights include Piha Beach, Kitekite Falls, and forested walking tracks that feel worlds away from urban life. Bring snacks, hiking shoes, and your camera—it’s a full-day adventure that costs nothing but gives you priceless memories of New Zealand’s natural beauty.

### **Days 1–2: Auckland** - **Day 1:** Arrive, explore the city (Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour). - **Day 2:** Day trip to **Waiheke Island** (wineries & beaches) or **Hobbiton** (if you love LOTR). ### **Days 3–4: Rotorua** (Drive or fly from Auckland) - **Day 3:** Geothermal parks (**Wai-O-Tapu** or **Te Puia**) + Maori cultural experience. - **Day 4:** Adventure activities (Zorbing, Redwoods Forest) or relax in hot springs. ### **Days 5–7: Queenstown** (Fly from Rotorua) - **Day 5:** Explore Queenstown (gondola ride, Fergburger). - **Day 6:** Day trip to **Milford Sound** (scenic cruise). - **Day 7:** Adventure (bungee jumping, jet boating) or visit **Arrowtown**. ### **Days 8–9: Wanaka & Franz Josef** (Drive from Queenstown) - **Day 8:** Stop at **Wanaka** (see #ThatWanakaTree, hike Roy’s Peak). - **Day 9:** Drive to **Franz Josef Glacier** (helicopter ride or short hike). ### **Day 10: Christchurch & Fly Home** - Fly from **Franz Josef** (via Christchurch) or drive to Christchurch for departure. ---

📍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.

(Opening) Half city, half ocean! Welcome to the jewel of the South Pacific—Auckland! (Scene: Sky Tower and harbor panorama) 🌟 Must-Visit TOP5: 1️⃣ Sky Tower - Challenge the glass walkway at 328 meters, overlooking the entire city! - Most beautiful at sunset, with even more stunning night views! (Scene: Thrilling transparent floor perspective) 2️⃣ Mission Bay - Aucklanders' backyard paradise: beach + coffee + ice cream! - Cycle along the coastal path with views of Rangitoto Volcano Island 🌋 (Scene: Seaside cycling with volcanic island backdrop) 3️⃣ Waiheke Island - 20-minute ferry ride to "Wine Heaven" 🍷 - Visit trendy wineries and savor aromatic Sauvignon Blanc! (Scene: Vineyards + blue seas and skies) 4️⃣ Auckland Harbour Bridge - Dare to "bridge climb" for a panoramic view of sailing boats ⛵️ - Best spot for capturing the "City of Sails" at dusk! (Scene: Harbor view from the bridge climb) 5️⃣ One Tree Hill - 360° city + pastoral views, a local favorite! - Take photos with flocks of sheep 🐑 and pretend you're in the New Zealand countryside~ (Scene: Sunset at the hilltop + cute sheep interactions) 🍴 Hidden Gems: - Feast on authentic seafood platters at Victoria Park Market 🦞 - Hunt for antiques in the retro town of Devonport - Surf at Piha Beach 🏄♀️—its black sand is breathtaking! (Closing) "Auckland is the perfect collision of urban and natural beauty, a symphony of adventure and relaxation!" (Scene: Sailing boats on the water, seagulls flying by) 💡 Tips: - Get an AT HOP card for buses/ferries - Autumn (March-May) offers fewer crowds and stunning scenery - Book outdoor activities like skydiving or fishing in advance 👉 Next stop: Queenstown or Rotorua? Tell me in the comments!

Beautiful and quiet beach. That beach is good surf place as well. Great nature and the view is amazing

| A Surfer's Paradise. Today, I'm going to share a surfing guide for Auckland, the "City of Sails" 🏄‍♀️ 📍【Surfing Spots】 - Piha Beach: The black sand beach is super cool, and the waves are super powerful, suitable for advanced players. The waves on the west side are big and fierce, while the east side is relatively gentle. Beginners can try the water on the east side first, while experts can go to the west side to challenge the limits and experience the thrill of riding the big waves. - Muriwai Beach: Famous for its spectacular bird island and stable waves, the waves are 1-3 meters high, and the beach is wide and flat. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced surfer, you can find a suitable spot to enjoy the fun of surfing. 🏄‍♂️【Surfing Courses and Clubs】 - Auckland Surf School: The instructors are very experienced, and the courses range from basic theory to practical water practice, with super patient one-on-one guidance to ensure you get started quickly. - Piha Surf Academy: Located on Piha Beach, it offers courses for different levels and organizes fun surfing activities and competitions, allowing you to meet many like-minded surfers. ⏰【Best Surfing Time】 - Spring (September - November) and autumn (March - May), when the temperature is comfortable, the waves are stable and moderate in height, and the water is relatively clear. From 9 am to 11 am, the wind is small and the waves are stable, suitable for beginners; from 2 pm to 4 pm, the waves increase, making it more exciting for advanced players to surf. 📝【Notes】 - Be sure to check the weather forecast and wave forecast in advance, safety first. - Beginners should wear life jackets, surf in designated areas, and follow the instructor's instructions. - Pay attention to protecting the marine environment, do not litter, and work together to protect this surfing paradise. Come to Auckland and surf with us! 💕

Auckland, a city blessed by the ocean and nature, attracts surfers from all over the world with its unique surfing conditions. There are many world-class surfing beaches here. Piha Beach is famous for its spectacular black sand and crashing waves. The waves are brewing in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, rushing towards the shore, rolling up layers of white foam, providing surfers with an excellent challenge and a stage to display their skills. Whether you are an experienced professional eager to conquer the towering waves, or a novice who is new to surfing and wants to experience the thrill of standing on a board in a relatively gentle wave area, Piha Beach can meet your needs. Muriwai Beach has a unique flavor. Its waves are relatively stable and rhythmic, and the surrounding beautiful natural scenery adds unique charm to surfing. When surfers are riding among the waves, they can look up and see the gannets soaring in the sky. Their white silhouettes contrast with the blue sky and the vast sea, forming a picturesque scene. Auckland’s surf culture is rich and diverse. Along the beach, there are many professional surf schools and surf clubs. Enthusiastic instructors patiently teach surfing skills, from how to balance on the board to accurately catching the wave timing, allowing novices to get started quickly. In the club, surfers of different nationalities and ages gather together, where they exchange experiences, share stories, and immerse themselves in the joy and passion brought by surfing. Surfing in Auckland is not only fighting against the waves, but also an intimate embrace of nature. It is a dual adventure of body and soul, allowing every participant to find themselves in the surging blue ocean. of excitement and freedom.

Presentation and quality of the food is top notch; service is prompt and friendly. Beautiful breads, and tasty seasonings made these exceptional. Coffee and smoothies was good. Enjoyable atmosphere inside and nice outdoor seating as well. The service could be a little better and slightly long wait for food even if it’s not busy in the morning. Coffee is well made. A great place for Sunday brunch. #newzealandtrip #auckland

Piha Beach, located on the rugged west coast of Auckland, New Zealand, is one of the country’s most famous and iconic beaches. Known for its dramatic landscapes, strong surf, and black sand, it offers both beauty and adventure.Piha is famous for its unique black sand, which is due to the high iron content from volcanic activity. The dark, shimmering sand gives the beach a striking, dramatic appearance, especially under the sunlight.Piha is a top destination for surfers, thanks to its powerful waves. The beach is known for having strong rips and challenging surf conditions, making it popular with experienced surfers. It also hosted New Zealand’s first-ever national surfing championship in the 1960s. However, swimmers should be cautious and stay between the flags as the currents can be dangerous.One of Piha Beach’s most recognizable landmarks, Lion Rock is a large natural rock formation that sits between the north and south ends of the beach. It is named for its resemblance to a crouching lion. Visitors can hike partway up the rock for panoramic views of the beach and the surrounding coastline.Piha is surrounded by lush native forest and has a number of walking tracks in the area. The Tasman Lookout Track offers spectacular views of the coastline, and the Kitekite Falls is a popular short hike that leads to a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall where visitors can swim in natural pools.Piha has a small, laid-back local community and is a popular weekend getaway for Aucklanders. There are a few cafés, a surf club, and accommodation options ranging from beachside houses to campgrounds.The west coast of New Zealand is known for its wild, untamed beauty, and Piha embodies this with its rough seas, jagged cliffs, and windswept atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for photography, beach walks, and simply taking in the rugged scener. Piha Beach is known for its strong rip currents, so it’s important for visitors to swim between the lifeguard-patrolled flags. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, and warning signs are posted to alert visitors about dangerous swimming conditions. Piha Beach is about a 45-minute drive from Auckland city, making it a convenient day trip for those looking to experience New Zealand’s dramatic west coast. Whether you’re a surfer, hiker, or simply a nature lover, Piha offers a unique and unforgettable coastal experience.

#beachcheck

Auckland Sailing Club ⛵️ Set sail for the Auckland Sailing Club, where you can feast your eyes on the Harbour Bridge from a distance. Often overlooked by standard tours, this spot is a hidden gem for sailing aficionados. With a fleet of pricey sailboats, this professional club offers a picturesque view known as the "City of Sails." It's a must-visit for anyone wanting to soak in Auckland's maritime charm! 📍8 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand Mission Bay 🌅 Just 8 km from Auckland's city center, Mission Bay is the perfect blend of beach fun and scenic views. From picnics and sunbathing to paddleboarding, it's a hive of activity against the backdrop of Auckland's panoramic harbor. With its vibrant atmosphere, delicious seaside eateries, and proximity to luxury homes, Mission Bay is a slice of paradise for both relaxation and adventure. 📍Auckland 1071, New Zealand Takapuna Beach 🏖️ Takapuna Beach is a local favorite, offering a mix of vibrant beach life and tranquility. Stroll along the shore, swing to the sound of waves, or indulge in a coffee break while watching your worries wash away. With a bustling strip of bars and restaurants, Takapuna Beach is the place to unwind for a few hours or an entire afternoon. 📍The Strand, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand Piha Beach 🏄‍♂️ Piha Beach, with its stunning black sand, is a surfer's sanctuary. The beach's long coastline and shimmering black-gold sand make it an unforgettable destination for both locals and visitors. Whether you're catching waves or simply soaking in the sun, Piha offers a breathtaking escape from the city. 📍Auckland 0772, New Zealand Lake Pupuke 🦢 Escape to the serene Lake Pupuke, where the tranquility of nature awaits. Surrounded by lush greenery and home to majestic black swans, the lake's clear waters reflect the beauty of New Zealand's landscapes. Ideal for a leisurely picnic or simply soaking in the natural splendor, Lake Pupuke is a refreshing retreat. 📍Auckland, New Zealand #Auckland #AucklandAttractions #NewZealand #NewZealandTravel

After the flight took the town, we went straight to the famous Black Sea beach. You will see a lot of surfing on the beach, and some beginners. At this time, New Zealand is still a bit cold. I have to admire the local body quality. It is really good to wear swimming trunks to surf in the cold water. aerial photography You will find that the black sand beach stretches for several kilometers, very spectacular. Locals often say the real Regal can be felt from the water, so you must not miss the water sports here, such as surfboarding, boating, kayaking or surfing. If you are a newcomer to surfing, you can sign up for surfing at the Regal Surf School. They offer small classes and a real surf addiction on the waves in Whale Bay. If you are a skilled surf enthusiast, you can catch a wave of 2 km in Manu Bay. If you don't like surfing, you can swim by the sea or relax on the black sand beach. Rayland has a few beautiful trails and walks along the trail. The fish and chips here are famous. Remember to watch New Zealand's famous fish and chips on the beach while watching the sunset. After watching the black sand beach, it was almost late, we went back to the coffee shop of the dinner party. The dinner was set at 7pm, and we were walking around the cafe. The key is that the cafe is a good place to watch the sunset, very good.