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
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Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
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Strike Score Breakdown
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Piha?
Piha works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Piha?
Offshore wind at Piha blows from the E (100°). Anything in the 60° to 140° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Piha?
Piha wants SW swell (180° to 270°) between 0.8m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Piha?
The main season at Piha is Mar-May. A secondary window runs Jun-Oct. Autumn best. Year-round swell. Iconic Lion Rock.
How do I get to Piha?
Fly into AKL, then allow about 45 minutes by road.
What kind of wave is Piha?
Piha is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-May
Secondary: Jun-Oct
Autumn best. Year-round swell. Iconic Lion Rock.
Getting There
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