Piha Beach Tours and Activities

Piha Beach featuring a sunset and general coastal views
Piha Beach
Piha Beach
Piha Beach featuring a sunset, a beach and swimming
Piha Beach


A remote and idyllic beach where striking emerald cliffs and lush rainforests meet black sandy shores and clear blue waters.

Located about 40 kilometres from Auckland on the west coast of the Waitakere Ranges, Piha Beach is a stunning black sand beach set in a dramatic landscape of imposing cliffs and subtropical rainforest.

Popular with surfers, it was here that board riding was first introduced to New Zealand by visitors who came over from California. Piha has its own local surf school were novices can learn to ride the waves. The surf can be pretty wild in this location, so it’s advisable to stay within areas that are regularly patrolled. You should also find out about expected conditions with local surf clubs before heading out on the water to surf or fish. Off the coast of Piha, you may be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the endangered Maui dolphins.

Back on dry land, take a hike through the rainforest to see New Zealand’s ancient kauri trees, before taking in the great views from the headland. One of the walking trails goes to KiteKite waterfall, which cascades 40 metres down over three tiers and into a clear pool – the perfect spot for a few scenic photos and to enjoy a swim.

The village of Piha itself has a small community and only has a local shop, a library, a camp site and a café. A short drive away in the Henderson valley meanwhile you’ll find pleasant restaurants and picturesque vineyards.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the area, there are campsites and cabins, as well as bungalows and bed and breakfast places dotted around the neighbourhood. Bear in mind that accommodation is limited, so it’s best to book your room well in advance, especially if you’re visiting in the busier months around Easter, June and July, or December.

Easy to reach by car, the drive through the Waitakere Ranges to Piha offers some breath-taking scenery. At Marine Parade South you’ll find free parking, although Piha doesn’t have a petrol station so make sure you fill up your vehicle at the village of Titirangi on the way.

Plan a trip to see Piha Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Marsden Suites Nautilus Orewa
Delamore Lodge
The Village Reserve

Popular places to visit


Top Piha Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Soho Hotel Auckland

Soho Hotel Auckland

4.5 out of 5
180 Stoddard Road, Mount Roskill, Auckland
Soho Hotel Auckland
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity

5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
The Grand by SkyCity
Novotel Auckland Airport

Novotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
Novotel Auckland Airport
Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland

Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland

3 out of 5
80 Wellesley Street West, Auckland, Auckland
Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland
Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport

Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
14 Airpark Drive, Auckland
Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport
Abstract Hotel

Abstract Hotel

4.5 out of 5
8 Upper Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland, Auckland
Abstract Hotel
SkyCity Hotel

SkyCity Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
SkyCity Hotel
Manha Hotel Auckland Airport

Manha Hotel Auckland Airport

3 out of 5
36 Pavilion Drive Mangere, Auckland
Manha Hotel Auckland Airport
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.

Things to do near Piha Beach

At Piha Beach, you can enjoy a delightful picnic area surrounded by stunning scenery, hike along scenic trails, and explore the breathtaking Kitekite Falls. This surf beach is famous for its powerful waves, making it an excellent spot for surfing enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to relax or hit the waves, Piha Beach offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility for every visitor.

Shopping

For shopping in Piha Beach, check out Avondale Sunday Market, located 20.9km away, offering a vibrant local atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, Westfield St Luke's Shopping Centre is 25.7km away, providing a wide range of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

At Eden Park, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying a guided tour of New Zealand's premier sports venue. Titirangi Golf Club offers a scenic round of golf surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for unwinding. Trusts Stadium provides a thrilling experience with various sporting events to cheer on.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of surfing at Piha Surf School, located 966m from the beach, where you can ride the waves in a stunning coastal setting. For a unique adventure, head to Tree Adventures, 24.1km away, and soar through the treetops on an exhilarating zipline course.

Nightlife

For a vibrant nightlife experience, venture to The Civic Theater, Aotea Centre, or ASB Waterfront Theatre, all located 29.0km from Piha Beach. Enjoy captivating performances that blend entertainment, culture, and romance, perfect for a memorable evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Piha Beach

Whether you're after the stunning beach, majestic mountains, or modern attractions, Piha Beach offers something for every adventurer. Explore the local culture and enjoy outdoor activities perfect for families, while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to visit iconic Piha attractions and experience the beauty of this breathtaking destination in the Auckland Region.

  • Waitakere Ranges: Just 4.8km from Piha Beach, the Waitakere Ranges offer breathtaking hiking trails through lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and panoramic views of the coastline. It’s perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
  • Karekare Beach: Located 3.2km from Piha Beach, Karekare Beach is a serene and less-crowded spot with dramatic cliffs and soft black sands. Ideal for relaxation, swimming, or beachcombing, it’s a true hidden gem.
  • Sky Tower: Situated 29.0km away, the Sky Tower in Auckland provides a modern urban experience with its observation deck offering spectacular views of the city and beyond, making it a must-visit for those wanting to soak in the skyline.

Best time to go to Piha Beach

The best time to visit Piha Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Piha Beach falls in February, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Piha Beach falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January66.7°F (19.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March65.5°F (18.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
July53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
October57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November60.3°F (15.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Piha Beach

To save money on your trip to Piha Beach, consider visiting between May and July when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, particularly on Sundays, which are cheaper than Saturdays. Use Expedia’s search tools to refine your options by budget and location, and sort listings from low to high for the best rates. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package deal can also lead to significant savings on your overall travel costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Piha Beach are May to July, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Piha Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Piha Beach is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Piha Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To find the best bargains and lowest prices, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Piha Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.