On your way to Piha call into Arataki Visitor Centre on the Scenic Drive and soak up the views over Auckland and the rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges. Learn the history of our area, from the local Iwi to the Kauri Logging era which took place in the ranges 100 years ago.
www.arc.govt.nz
www.watercare.co.nz The Rainforest Express - Well worth a trip
Swimming:
Piha is one of Auckland's renowned black sand surf beaches. It is lifeguard patrolled during the summer months with flagged areas suitable for swimming. The surf is exhilarating and great for body-surfing and boogie boarding.
If the surf is extreme there are many beautiful swimming holes that can be enjoyed. Kitekite falls is a wonderful place to enjoy with a large swimming hole at its base. Float on your back and watch the thundering water fall down from the falls, with the blue sky back drop and the green forest encircling the whole picture.
Surfing:
Surf board hire and lessons are available and can be arranged for you. Piha is best surfed between 3-6 foot (1- 2.5m), in easterly winds on all tides this surf is good for surfers of all levels. When the surf is big Piha is suitable for competent surfers only.
www.pihasurf.co.nzCanyoning:
Awol Adventure Canyoning is a professional group that takes people abseiling over the 90 metre Kitekite falls and proceeds down the canyon through cascading water and pools to exit at the base of the valley. It is a fun and awesome activity that we can arrange for you while you are here.
www.awoladventures.co.nz
On your way to the beach call in on the Westcoast Gallery. The gallery has many beautiful crafts on offer by local artists.
A walk to the lily pond up Garden Road for a picnic and to feed the ducks is also lovely if it is a little windy on the beach.
A walk to the falls enjoying the beautiful rainforest along the way is very pleasurable and relaxing after a hectic day on the beach.
Tramping:
For those of you with boundless energy. The Waitakere Ranges offers a wide variety of walks. Coastal walks overlooking Piha or Karekare or up in the bush to find remnants of Kauri Logging dams. We have a map of all the walking tracks available in the cottage for guests to use, or if you wish we will guide you on a day walk.
Bird Watching:
A wide range of native birds live in our ranges and wetlands. You will rise in the morning to the song of Tui and fall asleep to the call of Morepork.
Meals:
Piha offers family style evening meals at the RSA Club, Surf Club and Bowling Club. Come join the locals for a game of pool and leisurely drink after your meal.
Piha Cafe open for fine coffee and light meals.
Further afield:
West Auckland is the home of fine wine with many excellent wineries to visit.
Waitakere Golf Course is only 40 minutes from Piha.
Local restaurants in Titirangi include Toby's, Takahe, and Hardware Cafe. Closer to Piha is the Elevation Restaurant at the start of Piha Road.
www.beesonline.co.nz Bees on Line, up Highway 16, has a wonderful cafe and honey products.
Henderson - Westgate City Mall, Cinemas, Pak-n-save for food supplies. Westwave Aquatic Centre, Corbans Art Centre.
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