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Park Activities

Beaches
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Beaches

Piha is a wild surf beach with black sand.

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Swimming
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Swimming

Only swim between the flags at Piha.

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Fishing
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Fishing

Remember that fishing off the rocks can be dangerous, waves are unpredictable. Always wear a lifejacket.

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Dogs
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Dogs

Dogs are only permitted south of lion rock from 31 March to 1 November. Prohibited at North Piha at all times.

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Horse Riding
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Horse Riding

A permit is required for Horse riding in the Waitakere Ranges. Horse riding only permitted before 10am and after 4pm.

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Surfing
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Surfing

Good surfing at South Piha and North Piha.

8 out of 10

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Walks (Less than 1 hour)
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Walks (Less than 1 hour)

Whether you're looking for a walk with a good view, a waterfall or through native bush, Piha has it all. See details below.

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Tracks

Lion Rock Track
20 minutes / 0 km
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Lion Rock Track

Walk
Time: 20 minutes
Distance: 0 km

Lion Rock, an icon of Piha Beach, is an eroded remnant of an ancient volcanic plug which was also a fortified Maori pa. The significance to Maori is illustrated by the carved guardian pou. A steep climb leads up to a lookout with spectacular views along the coast. You cannot climb to the top of Lion Rock due to the area’s Wahi Tapu significance. This is a spiritually and culturally significant site sacred to the Maori people.

Pram friendly: No

Tasman Lookout Track
40 minutes / 0 km
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Tasman Lookout Track

Walk
Time: 40 minutes
Distance: 0 km

From the car park at the Southern end of Piha Beach, this steep track climbs to the rocky headland with numerous viewing points. The track ends at a point overlooking ‘The Gap’ where the waves force their way through a narrow gap in the rocks. There is no access to the beach from this track.

Pram friendly: No

Laird Thomson Track
60 minutes / 1 km
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Laird Thomson Track

Walk
Time: 60 minutes
Distance: 1 km

Leading off from the northern end of North Piha Beach, this track climbs up to a low-lying saddle. A branch heads off to Te Waha Point, which was once a pa site. From here there are stunning views of the coast.

Pram friendly: No

Kitekite Track
60 minutes / 1 km
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Kitekite Track

Walk
Time: 60 minutes
Distance: 1 km

This is a popular loop walk from Piha’s Glen Esk Road car park through coastal bush to the spectacular Kitekite Falls. Along the way interesting interpretive signs explain the early kauri logging history of the area. Don’t forget your togs for a swim at the base of the falls.

Pram friendly: No

Print view

Piha

Piha is one of Auckland's most famous west coast black sand beaches.

Part of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, Piha is a popular spot for swimmers and surfers.

Park facilities

Campervan access
Self contained campervans can stay up to 2 nights at the Log Race Road carpark or the car park on Glen Esk Road. more...
Picture of Piha
Enjoy black sand and fantastic surf beaches.

Park opening hours:

Opens:
7:30am
Closes:
7:30pm (winter)
9pm (summer)

How to get there

Head along the north-western motorway. Get off at Lincoln Rd. At the end of Lincoln Rd turn into Great North Rd. At first set of lights turn right into Henderson Valley Rd. At roundabout take Forest Hill Rd and drive to end. Turn right into West Coast rd. At end of West Coast Rd turn right into Scenic Drive. Take Piha Rd at junction 200M on. Stay on Piha Rd and it ends at Piha Beach.
Distance from Auckland:
50 minutes
  
Get directions with Google Maps


Vector tree trimming in Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland

Track closures

Over the next few months, tree trimming crews will be working in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.

Tree trimming around powerlines is required by law - the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 - and will be carried out by Treescape, on behalf of lines company Vector.

The work will begin on Wednesday 24 October and will last for up to two months. There are two main areas of the Waitakere Ranges where tree trimming will occur - Huia-Parau and Cutty Grass Track.

The ARC has entered into an agreement with Vector to ensure that the environmental effect of this work is carefully managed. Monitoring, including field checks by an arborist, will ensure that the specifications in this agreement are followed.

Trimming of trees around powerlines is needed to ensure continuity of supply and to protect areas like the Waitakere Ranges from the risk of fire. The ARC is committed to making sure that tree trimming on parkland is carried out a manner that takes in the special environmental value of the ranges.

More information about tree trimming around powerlines and the electricity regulations is available on the Vector website at www.vectortrees.co.nz or by phoning 0800 948 100.

For up to date track closure information please phone the Arataki Visitor Centre on 09 817 0077.

Track closures

The line clearance on the Cutty Grass Track has been completed and works have now commenced on the Huia / Parau feeder at Huia. Access is restricted along the following tracks: Farley, Parau and the Karamatura Ridge Track.