Piha
Piha is New Zealand's most iconic surf beach—a dramatic sweep of black iron sand framed by the distinctive Lion Rock formation on Auckland's wild west coast. The beach produces quality peaks up and down its length, with the northern end often offering the most consistent waves. Piha is raw and beautiful: native bush tumbling down steep hillsides, powerful rips (it's NZ's most rescued beach), and consistent swells from the Tasman Sea. The 45-minute drive from Auckland makes it an accessible escape that feels worlds away from the city.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 270°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (100°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 140°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
6/10
👥 Autumn Break (Apr 4 – Apr 19) — expect extra crowds
Best Season
Peak: Mar-May
Secondary: Jun-Oct
Autumn best. Year-round swell. Iconic Lion Rock.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Muriwai Beach
🪿 Gannet colony views • Auckland consistency • West coast access
Raglan
🥝 New Zealand's finest • Black sand point breaks • 300m rides
Manu Bay
🥝 Raglan's inside section • Endless lefts • Kiwi icon
Raglan - Manu Bay
🇳🇿 One of Earth's longest lefts • Endless Summer legend • Kiwi soul
Whangamata Bar
🌊 Cyclone swell magic • Premier beach break left • Coromandel gem
Mount Maunganui
⛰️ All-day offshores • Bay of Plenty gem • Easy-access quality