The waves at North Piha Beach are a bit more friendly and hospitable to swimmers and new surfers than those on the South Beach. Lions Rock, a 16 million year old volcanic neck, divides the North and South beaches. The rock is named after it's shape, which resembles a male lion laying down. Public toilets and change rooms are located close to Lions Rock and a picnic area is located close to the carpark. Dogs have been banned from the beach as the area is home to blue penguins, pippits and oyster catchers.

Piha is the birth place of New Zealand surfing and one of the worlds most famous surfing beaches. The black, iron stained sands are patrolled by 2 Surf and Life Saving Clubs, the Piha Surf Life Saving Club patrols this beach and United North Piha Lifeguard Service patrols the north beach. Boarding in Piha began in the 1930's and in 1958 Malibu board riding arrived. Piha is home to New Zealand's national and international surfing champions. The powerful rips that make it ideal for boarding makes it dangerous for swimmers and have been known to snap canoes in half. The south beach is where the reality show "Piha Rescue" is filmed. Please stay in the designated swimming area marked with red and yellow flags.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Piha North Beach and 8,000 other beaches.