Piha Beach is New Zealand's best-known surf beach: black sand, hard-breaking waves, and a west-coast mood that changes quickly with the weather. It is beautiful in almost any conditions, but the same energy that makes it impressive also makes it dangerous.
Swim only between the flags when lifeguards are on duty. If the flags are down, walk the beach, watch the surfers, or settle in by the stream and Lion Rock instead. At low tide the beach is wide enough for a long walk, with the Waitakere cliffs closing in behind the houses.