Piha Beach is surrounded by the gorgeous Waitakere Regional Park which makes for some great Piha walks and hikes to be had. This unique geographical feature is definitely worth the time and effort to explore. All you have to do is grab a map and choose a walk that matches the adventure that you are looking for.
Find out why Piha is one of the best places for walking and exploring nature in Auckland.
Lion Rock Track
Lion Rock is an iconic formation in Piha, one of Auckland’s most notable tourist destinations. This track is built on an unmistakable rocky outcrop in the middle of Piha Beach. This iconic landmark is not the highlight itself. If you dare to climb the Lion Rock Track, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views in all directions.
It is 101 metres high, however, climbing right to the top is no longer recommended because it is unsafe to do so. It takes about 20 minutes to complete this walk.
Ridge Road Track
The Ridge Road Track is one of the can’t-miss experiences in Piha. This track is located east along Anawhata Road and leads into the Waitakere Ranges. It lays not far off from the Cutty Grass Track. You will be making your way through red Waitakere clay, which is of volcanic origin. This track is wide enough for a small four wheel drive vehicle to pass through, but you can explore it on foot to see most of what the walk has to offer.
This is a one of the gentler Piha walks for those not keen on making a lot steep climbs. The Ridge Road Track is suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. The entire track spans a total distance of 1.5 km. It can take about 30 minutes to complete one-way with moderate difficulty. Dogs are not allowed on this track, however. Some of the highlights to this walk are private farmland and the sand dunes that eventually lead to Sandfly Bay.
Piha Valley – Black Rock Dam Track
This walk extends 2.4 km in length and will take approximately 2.5 hours to complete. You can begin this walk right after the Glen Esk Road carpark. You must follow the Piha Stream and then make your way up a rocky bluff.
This walking track will continue towards the Centennial Track until you reach the Black Rock Dam. If you have a some time to spare, you can explore the return circuit via the Centennial or the Home track.
Tasman Lookout Track
The Tasman Lookout Track is one of the best Piha walks for those seeking scenic views. This track begins at the carpark at the end of Marine Parade. There are plenty of parking spots for those looking to explore this walking path; however, it does get busy during the summer months.
Look for the signs and head up the path that climbs toward the lookout point for the views you came here for. You will be traversing a simple staircase as you make your way up the steep hill. As you continue your climb, you will pass by several rock faces. After that, make your way onto a ridge where you’ll see the landscape open up. The hills are now covered by native bush. Continue on the track where you can get a glimpse of Piha Beach and Lion Rock. You might also enjoy a stunning view of The Gap, especially during high tide.
If that’s not enough, you can spot Taitomo Island from this lookout point. This is an important place for Maori history and also serves as a nesting place for birds. From the Tasman Lookout, you can follow a track that leads to The Gap and a blowhole. To get to the blowhole, you must make your way through a forest. If you’d rather see The Gap, follow the trail to the dunes.
Maungaroa Lookout Track
The Maungaroa Lookout Track begins and ends at Piha. This track has a distance of approximately 2.6 km with a moderate difficulty level. The entire track can be completed in 2 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level.
This track is located halfway down Glen Esk Road. You will find this track on the left where you must cross Piha Stream and make your way towards an elevated wooden bridge. This walk is a bit of a challenge to your cardio as it has plenty of ascents before you make your way into mature bush.
Once you reach the top of the lookout, you can marvel at the view of Piha. The top of this track is 210 metres high and you will find a kauri habitat on the ridge. On your descent, you will walk through a forest and into the Wekatahi Creek and a grove walk along the beach. Make your way to Garden Road before going back to your starting point at Glen Esk.
Kitekite Falls
The Kitekite Falls is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Waitakere Ranges. This stunning waterfall feature six drops that collect into a shallow pool at the bottom. This is one of the best Piha walks if you like to chase waterfalls. To reach the falls, you must follow the Kitekite track that goes through the large kauri stump. Then you will pass through a rainforest and on the Knutzen Track before you reach the base of the waterfall.
Once there, don’t miss the chance to swim in the waterfall. Afterwards, you can cross the stream and make your descent back to Piha.
Mercer Bay Loop Walk
This is a 1.4 km walk that takes approximately an hour to complete the entire loop. It is one of the best Piha walks because of the scenic coastal views that you can find along the way. Definitely one of the highlights of the Waitakere Ranges.
The Mercer Bay Loop Walk starts at the end of Log Race Road. Since it is a loop, you have the option to explore the walk clockwise or counter-clockwise. There are plenty of signs along this route so you won’t get lost. You will walk through the forest a bit until the view of the coastline shows up and you can hear the waves crashing. Continue following the dirt trail until you see the stunning cliffs and the black sand beaches. You can continue through the path until you reach the end of the walk and you are back at Log Race Road.
