The Surf Window

Piha

Auckland, New Zealand

Beach breakIntermediate

Auckland's most iconic surf beach, Piha is a wild, dramatic black-sand beach flanked by towering basalt cliffs and the famous Lion Rock, powerful, unpredictable surf with a ruggedly beautiful West Coast character.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size4-8ft

Wind

NW

Offshore

Tide

Any

LowMidHigh

Season

March–September

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Powerful, shifting beach break peaks, variable from day to day, can be excellent

Length

30–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: The beach break is powerful and the rips are notoriously strong, Piha is one of New Zealand's most dangerous beaches despite lifeguard patrols.

Hazards

  • •Very strong rip currents, numerous drownings have occurred here
  • •Powerful shore pound on solid swells
  • •Black sand heats up intensely in summer
  • •Exposed, changeable conditions

Local Tips

  • •Always swim and surf between the flags in the patrolled zone, the rips at Piha are no joke.
  • •Lion Rock is the defining landmark, the break south of the rock tends to be more sheltered and better shaped.

Location

Map showing the location of Piha in Auckland, New Zealand

-36.9557, 174.4765