Piha

Travel Guide

Piha Beach which includes skyline, a beach and landscape views
Piha Beach showing mountains, surfing and a sunset
Piha Beach featuring a beach, swimming and a sunset
Piha Beach showing general coastal views and a sunset
Waitakere Ranges which includes a statue or sculpture, forest scenes and a garden
Against a backdrop of rolling green hills, this beach community on the Tasman Sea is a scenic spot for surfing, kayaking and sunbathing.

Piha is an idyllic daytrip destination for Auckland locals and visitors looking for surf, sand and sea. It features a pair of surfing beaches, a picturesque lagoon and myriad streams to complement rocky bluffs and outcrops. Stroll along the coast to appreciate the beauty of the Tasman Coast.

In summer, relax with a book on the sandy shores of Piha Beach. The bay stands out for Lion Rock, an impressive and exceptional landmark that separates the northern and southern sections of the beach. It takes its name from the similarity of its profile to that of a lying lion. Try to spot the resemblance.

Rent equipment and get lessons from the expert instructors at the Piha Surf School. You can also join the Tamariki Tours Surf School, which has classes for beginners, families and schools, and can also organize accommodations.

The area is not just focused on the beach, since Piha has a varied and picturesque terrain. Head inland for the rolling topography of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Admire the unspoiled backcountry and the nature trails that meander between tropical trees. The Kitekite Trail, among the most spectacular, takes about an hour to complete. Reach Kitekite Falls and snap photos of its multiple tiers. Brave yourself for a more difficult path in the form of the Hillary Trail, which will take about four days to complete.

The town lies on the western coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Drive west from Auckland for 25 miles (40 kilometers) to get to the community in roughly 45 minutes. Stop at the suburb of New Lynn on the way. While in the area, make sure to visit other nearby landmarks such as Whatipu Beach, Barnett Hall and Muriwai Beach.

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
$82 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
$94 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,414 reviews)
"Always a lovely stay"

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2025

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity

5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
$122 nightly
The price is $141 total per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
$141 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 11 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,821 reviews)
"The sauna goes off too early. Went to use the sauna at 9pm and it went off instead of the 10pm"

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Auckland Airport by IHG

4 out of 5
2 Ascot Road, Auckland
$86 nightly
The price is $99 total per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
$99 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"dinner could be better"

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2025

Holiday Inn Auckland Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart

4.5 out of 5
2 Tapora Street, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,109 reviews)
"The room was very clean and well appointed, quiet and in walking distance to Britomart a key area for shopping and transport options."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
Barclay Suites

Barclay Suites

4.5 out of 5
74 Albert Street, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,783 reviews)
"Nice room"

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

Barclay Suites
Nesuto St Martins Apartment Hotel

Nesuto St Martins Apartment Hotel

4.5 out of 5
6-12 St Martins Lane, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,403 reviews)
"Parking could have been better, we ended up paying a lot more than expected because we weren't familiar with the parking conditions. But otherwise facilities are quite good."

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025

Nesuto St Martins Apartment Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Piha

5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful community somewhat reminiscent of Carmel CA but without the noise, glitz and traffic. Parking may be an issue on the weekends when surfer fever hits. Lots of green space, walkable trails, lovely people. We had a great time.

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