Auckland
Beautiful beaches, harbours, parks and Polynesian culture just beside a modern city lifestyle form the unique picture of Auckland. Surrounded by water and numerous small islands the region around New Zealand’s biggest city is the perfect place for sailing, surfing and other water-based activities.
Piha
A one-hour drive northwest from the city centre will take you to the surfing mecca of the region – Piha. Arriving here you will be greeted with magical views, the rugged cliffs and bush valleys. This black sand beach is famous for its’ rips and currents and therefore it’s one of the best surfing locations for unique and more adventurous surfing experiences.
Piha consists of two beaches either side of the large 'Lion Rock' which separates them: North Piha and South Piha. South Piha features quality left-hand bar breaks, with long workable walls to surf.
Closer to Lion Rock is left and right double-ups formed via the backwash off the rocks. It'll be an easy paddle using the fast current next to the rock. North Piha is a longer beach and offers a good left and right, great peaks near the stream mouth and at the caves in the northern end.
Piha is suitable for surfers of all levels, but when it's big - competent surfers only. This beach is fairly crowded due to its proximity to Auckland city, especially during Summer.
