A spot with black volcanic sand and powerful surf, popular with experienced surfers, with the striking Lion Rock as a landmark and several hiking trails in the neighboring Waitākere Ranges.
About an hour by van from Muriwai Beach.
Quietly set back a bit behind the popular surf beach Piha Beach, perfect for a quick barefoot walk to the sea in the morning. $20 per person/night. Beach reachable on foot in a few minutes, warm showers, kitchen and toilets available, quiet surroundings. Downside: facilities are very basic, overall more functional than charming.
Verdict: The proximity to the beach is definitely a plus, but overall pretty plain, fine for one night.
A short but worthwhile walk, starting at the southern end of the beach, near Tunnel Beach. At the top, a great view of Piha Beach, Lion Rock and the coast, the climb is especially worth it on a clear day.
A beautiful, sprawling beach with dark sand and powerful surf, Lion Rock in the middle of the beach is hard to miss. Popular with surfers, but also great for a walk, the mood is especially lovely there in the evening.
Piha's landmark, a striking rock that looks like a resting lion. You can climb partway up and get a great view of the beach and sea from there, at the very top it's blocked off for safety reasons, but the short climb is worth it anyway, the view is especially impressive at sunset.