From Wikitravel

Piha [1] is a beach area on the North Island of New Zealand.

[edit] Get in

If you have your own car. If not then http://www.surfshuttle.co.nz/ for a reasonably priced shuttle from the airport or the city. They will also pick you up from the train in Glen Eden or the bus in Titirangi.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

• Piha Beach (or South Piha Beach) is New Zealand's premier surf beach. Its black iron-sands, pounding surf and rugged natural beauty are a favourite with local, national and international surfing communities. A popular summertime retreat with Aucklanders as well as others from further a field, it should be noted that strong tidal rips make it necessary to obey the local regulations set out by the local surf-life saving club. Most of the time surf-life saving flags are situated on the beach to indicate when it is safe to swim. If you are a novice to intermediate strength swimmer, it is recommended that you do not swim if surf-life saving guards are not on patrol. 60 people died in 2005, most of them foreign tourists (This is nonsense! I have lived in Piha since 2000 and there has probably been two drownings in that time - one a suicide. NO ONE has ever drowned inside the flagged areas).

• North Piha Beach is located north of Lion Rock and is a long, wild beach filled with numerous tidal rips and holes. As with the more popular Piha Beach swimming should only be done where the local surf club recommend.

[edit][add listing] Do

This is hugely popular and load of fun if you've had enough surfing http://www.awoladventures.co.nz/

[edit][add listing] Buy

Given the rugged west coast natural beauty of the Piha area, it has attracted numerous artists into the community over the years. A great piece of art can be purchased during your stay in the local area. The local Art Gallery is a must: http://www.westcoastgallery.co.nz/

Also given its local surf culture, you can stock up on the latest (and sometimes exotic) surf gear around.

Fishing gear is also available so that you can try your hand at catching that big one!

[edit][add listing] Eat

If you are looking for Private Catering try http://www.pihakitchen.co.nz

If not then there is the local RSA (Returned Services Assn) or Bowling Club. Both are private clubs but welcome guests who just have to sign the visitors book.

Try Blairs on the Beach for the best chunky hot chips and top toasted sandwiches. I recomment ham, cheese & onion toasted.

• The Piha Cafe, Seaview Road, ☎ 8128808, [2]. Open daylight hours. Menu, counter goodies, great coffee, ice creams, takeaways etc. Eat inside or on the deck with spectacular views of Lion Rock.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Guests who sign in can drink at the RSA or Bowling Clubs. There is one local store that sells food and drinks but no license.

• The Piha Cafe, Seaview Road, ☎ 8128808, [3]. Open during daylight hours. Eat indoor or on the deck and enjoy spectacular views of Lion Rock. Great menu, counter food and coffee etc  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Black Sands Lodge (Piha Accommodation), 54 Beach Valley Road, ☎ 021 969924, [4]. checkin: 2pm; checkout: midday. 1/2 a minute walk to Piha Beach. A choice of three self contained accommodations. Twin, Queen or King. One will match your style or budget. Off-street parking and Wifi POA.  edit

[edit] Get out

Piha Surf School has given lessons to people from all over the world, from 5 years of age to 65 years old. Piha Surf School coaches beginners but also has a special program for intermediate and competitive surfers. Surfing is now a serious sport that offers brilliant opportunities to children at local, provincial, national and international levels Piha Surf School's technical approach and use of video analysis for experienced surfers will assist surfers of all levels to improve.

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