Celebrates the colourful history of Piha, a famous surf beach near Auckland, New Zealand. Piha is the rohe of Te Kawerau a Maki, but passed into Pakeha ownership in the 1880s. It was milled for the magnificent kauri and then became a reknowned holiday ...
Reviews
Beaches are a go-to romantic spot, their beauty and openness tantalising lovers around the world. Piha, on the other hand, reveals itself as the beach-made-for-singles. It’s busy come weekends, to the point where you’d be lucky to find a private nook at South. The sun shines so bright that couples-selfies are a no go. You’ll always get sand in your packed sandwich, no matter what you try, so a cute picnic would be tragic. Finally, it’s packed with fit surfers and stunning sunbathers, a vision you wouldn’t want your beau to be distracted by whilst you’re lugging around your beach chairs. So get your togs ready, alert your fellow singletons and grab a few gold coins for a sand-free snack from Blair’s on the Beach and you’ll be sorted come Valentines day.
Once a local, always a lover of Piha. It’s true, I was once quite the lucky duck as I got to experience first-hand what living a-la Piha was like. And yes, it was utter paradise. The beach alone is a stunner frequented by equally stunning surfers from all around the world. With waves as big as your bach and beautiful sands stretched across both South and North Piha, it’s a top-of-your-bucket-list type of visit. Insiders tip - grab some choice food from local favourite ‘Blair’s on the beach’ before you head back into town, their Fish burgers are scrumptious.
Piha - you are one of the most raw, rugged environments in the world and the dynamism of your natural beauty is like chicken soup for my soul. Whether I'm swimming out the front of Lion Rock or walking around the rocks for a low-tide dip in the blue pool, the energy of the roaring ocean and crashing waves washes away any tiredness, worries or concerns I have after a day of working in the city. And no matter where in the world I travel or how far I ramble, you will always be my turangawaewae (standing place) and the place I call home. In summer, you keep me warm as I bask in the blazing sun on the hot black sand and swim in the ocean. While in winter, your west coast moodiness inspires me to create and dream. I live on the hill above another of my favourite beaches - Karekare - yet I choose to drive down to Piha Beach to play because you are one of the most amazing places to be in all the world. I am so lucky that this is where I was born and raised and to where I've returned.
