🇳🇿 Piha Beach Day Trip Guide | Cliffside Hikes & Epic Sunsets 🌊🌅

Piha Beach is a MUST-VISIT near Auckland! Just 50 mins drive from the city, this wild black-sand coastline delivers dramatic cliffs, roaring waves, and sunsets that look photoshopped (but aren’t!). 📍 Stop 1: Mercer Bay Loop Walk (1-Hour Hike) 🚗 Parking: Free at Piha Beach Carpark (toilets at trailhead) 🥾 Trail Stats: Easy 3.4km loop (60 mins max) Cliff-top views of the Tasman Sea 📸 Pro Tip: Wear bright colors—they pop against the dark rocks! Why You’ll Love It: ✅ No crowds (feels like your private coastline) ✅ Sheer 300m cliffs (heart-pounding vistas) ✅ Fur seals sometimes sunbathe below! 📍 Stop 2: Piha Beach (Black Sand Wonder) 🏖️ Must-Do’s: Climb Lion Rock (the iconic lava-stone monolith) Swim? Only if you’re strong—rips are no joke! Sunset Magic: Winter hues (5:30PM) go gold → purple over the Tasman Sea 🍽️ Food Options: Piha Café ($$, decent burgers) Pack a picnic (better views + budget-friendly) 📸 Photo Ops You Can’t Miss: 1️⃣ Lion Rock silhouette at golden hour 2️⃣ Wave explosions against the cliffs (slow-mo video!) 3️⃣ Tide pools near North Piha (starfish sightings!) 🚗 Getting There: Route: SH16 → Piha Rd (winding but paved) Detour: Stop at Kitekite Falls if time allows ⚠️ Safety Notes: Check tides (surge can cut off trails) No drones (protected wildlife area) Sunscreen + windbreaker (coastal weather swings!) #PihaBeach #NZHiddenGems #EpicSunsets #HikeNZ