North Piha Beach — Local services in Waitākere Ranges

North Piha Beach also known as Kohunui Bay (sea mist) is a quieter option from the craziness that the main beach affords. There is a car park at the end of the road with lots of overflow parking on the side of the road. Next to the carpark is a nice mowed field great for bbq and family picnics and field games etc. Past the field a track will lead you to the beach, if you walk towards the head there are a number of caves and pohutukawa trees for shade and at low tide there is usually a 3m deep pool for swimming with no waves. From this area you can walk over up the head along the Laird Thomson track or to White’s Beach, there is some nice fishing if you walk along the coastal route of the head. There is no surf rescue out here and swimming is at your own risk, you may see no swimming signs on the beach but realistically it’s just a deterrent to stress the caution one must use at Piha, which is one of New Zealand’s most dangerous beaches. However surf rescue does often ride out here with their quad every couple of hours. Best rules when swimming outside of patrolled areas is know the conditions as posted at surf rescue, be aware of rips and know how to 1. Spot them 2. Swim out of them, keep only to waste deep, look out for deep holes, and never turn your back...

My local surf spot. Black sand , clear water and beautiful hills. Not crowed at all. Great surf spot or a beach to get a way from the crowds. Beware sand can be so hot it burns blisters on your feet so always wear jandles or shoes. carry dogs to the water line for the sand is exstreme!!! Bring an umbrella because the heat from the black sand is toasty warm.

Best local...

Childhood memories. Grandparents lived at Piha and visited them most weekends. Wonderful beach for surfing and walks. Loved walking to the Blowhole at the south end of beach and at the north end of beach to walk to Whites beach. Loved running through the forest walking track to the waterfall. Loved the duck pond at Garden Road. Amazing place to just relax to clear...