Piha and Karekare Beaches

Piha Beach sunset
Piha Beach sunset
New Zealand
Piha Beach

The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, on the city’s western doorstep, is the gateway to Auckland’s West Coast beaches, including Piha and Karekare.  You’ll recognize Karekare from the beach scenes of ‘The Piano’, while Piha’s fame comes from the TV series ‘Piha Rescue’.  Wild and untamed compared to their eastern cousins, the rolling breakers and long stretches of the West Coast’s black sand beaches attract surfers and those who enjoy the wind in their hair and sunsets over the sea.  The 45 minute drive from the city passes the bush-clad suburb of Titirangi on the slopes of the Ranges, rides a ridge which offers extensive views both back over the city and out towards the West Coast’s Manukau Heads, and then, as the road descends to the coast, you’ll catch glimpses of the Tasman Sea through the trees.  Both Piha and Karekare Surf Clubs mount regular beach patrols, as dangerous rips are often present.  Please swim only between the lifeguard flags.  Though there is a shop/cafe at Piha with basic supplies, it’s well worth stopping en route for supplies if you want to picnic on the beach.  If cafes are more your style, there’s plenty of choice at Titirangi.

Piha Beach Accommodation and Cafes "Our Pick"

Piha Lodge
Self-contained hosted accommodation, offers 1 bach and 2 apartments. Swimming pool plus spa and sea views.
117 Piha Road, Piha Beach  +64 9 812 8595    Website

Black Sands Lodge
Kiwi bach/cabin and 2 modern apartments with private decks. Massages and/or dinners on request.     Website
54 Beach Valley Road, Piha Beach  +64 21 969 924

The Piha Cafe
20 Seaview Road, Piha Beach  09 812 8808

Things to do in Auckland

Piha Beach
Piha Beach

Lion Rock at Piha Beach

Karekare Beach
Karekare Beach, just south of Piha.


Piha Beach


Lion Rock at Piha Beach
Lion Rock at Piha Beach


Sand dunes at Karekare Beach, West Coast

 

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