A quick guide to Piha
Sightseeing
It's a simple little walk along the Piha stream - which at night features glow worms - with the reward of the beautiful Kite Kite Falls at the end. You can walk back the same way or cross over under the waterfalls and come back along the opposite bank.
16 locals recommend
Kitekite Falls
219 Piha RdIt's a simple little walk along the Piha stream - which at night features glow worms - with the reward of the beautiful Kite Kite Falls at the end. You can walk back the same way or cross over under the waterfalls and come back along the opposite bank.
A brilliant walk that loops along the cliff top overlooking the Tasman sea, past some historic Pa and also the historic radar station at the start/end of the walk. My personal favourite and many great spots to take photos and even, very occasionally, whale watch.
8 locals recommend
Mercer Bay Loop Walk
Log Race RoadA brilliant walk that loops along the cliff top overlooking the Tasman sea, past some historic Pa and also the historic radar station at the start/end of the walk. My personal favourite and many great spots to take photos and even, very occasionally, whale watch.
A plug of rock ejected from a long-dormant volcano forms the natural centrepiece for Piha. Some amazing views when you climb up and the heart of Anzac Day memorial ceremonies.
18 locals recommend
Lion Rock
A plug of rock ejected from a long-dormant volcano forms the natural centrepiece for Piha. Some amazing views when you climb up and the heart of Anzac Day memorial ceremonies.
A great place for wildlife - penguins in winter, birds in spring and summer and glow worms in the caves summer and autumn. Some good waves for surfing away from the more commonly used south beach - a frames etc but sometimes tricky to get out to the back.
North Piha Beach
N Piha RdA great place for wildlife - penguins in winter, birds in spring and summer and glow worms in the caves summer and autumn. Some good waves for surfing away from the more commonly used south beach - a frames etc but sometimes tricky to get out to the back.
Neighbourhoods
It's a small village really but with its back to a fantastic regional park and facing the Tasman Sea with some great surf, Piha is set in a wonderful location with many walks in the bush, two beaches either side of the famous Lion Rock. There is a great local store with heaps or organic home-made food - the pies are a must; and a cafe with outdoor seating, good coffee and pizzas on a Friday night.
145 locals recommend
Piha
It's a small village really but with its back to a fantastic regional park and facing the Tasman Sea with some great surf, Piha is set in a wonderful location with many walks in the bush, two beaches either side of the famous Lion Rock. There is a great local store with heaps or organic home-made food - the pies are a must; and a cafe with outdoor seating, good coffee and pizzas on a Friday night.
Food scene
There are only a few places to eat in Piha but happily for visitors they're all very good.
Run by locals, the cafe offers great coffee, beers, soft drinks and a broad range of delicious foods (vegan, vegetarian and others catered for). Excellent chefs, great service and a plumb spot for a rest after a good walk along the beach to fuel up.
40 locals recommend
Piha Cafe
20 Seaview RdRun by locals, the cafe offers great coffee, beers, soft drinks and a broad range of delicious foods (vegan, vegetarian and others catered for). Excellent chefs, great service and a plumb spot for a rest after a good walk along the beach to fuel up.
At the heart of Piha, the store offers great coffee, all manner of drinks and home-made food from full meals to takeaway, sandwiches, cakes, freshly made bread and, of course, the basic essentials.
30 locals recommend
Piha Store
26 Seaview RdAt the heart of Piha, the store offers great coffee, all manner of drinks and home-made food from full meals to takeaway, sandwiches, cakes, freshly made bread and, of course, the basic essentials.
A warm welcome for visitors with good food and drinks on offer. A social spot for big sporting events and occasional local music venue. Overlooks the Piha stream and faces the domain and Lion Rock.
27 locals recommend
Piha RSA
3 Beach Valley RdA warm welcome for visitors with good food and drinks on offer. A social spot for big sporting events and occasional local music venue. Overlooks the Piha stream and faces the domain and Lion Rock.
Surf shop
Personally stocked and run by a surf champion, anything from boards, leashes, clothes, hats, shoes and souvenirs are on offer. Well worth a visit.
Board rentals by hour or day are available.
11 locals recommend
Piha Surf Shop
122 Seaview RdPersonally stocked and run by a surf champion, anything from boards, leashes, clothes, hats, shoes and souvenirs are on offer. Well worth a visit.
Board rentals by hour or day are available.
Sporting venue
Guests are welcome, there's even a petanque court available, as well as bowls. At night, it offers some cracking meals and there is the occasional live band to boot.
16 locals recommend
Piha Bowling Club
21 Seaview Road(The Domain)Guests are welcome, there's even a petanque court available, as well as bowls. At night, it offers some cracking meals and there is the occasional live band to boot.