Surf: Piha is New Zealand's most famous surf beach, 40km (25mi) from the City of Sails and this black, iron-sand beach has a reputation for awesome surf. With rugged cliffs and the majestic Lion Rock standing guard over the beach, the scenery is dramatic and inspiring from the viewpoint on the drive down. South Piha has quality low tide lefts off the corner sandbar that roll in and reform in the shorey at high. The rip is fast and furious and there's a keyhole around the rocks. More currents flank Lion Rock, helping with the paddle out that gets punishing at size, which Piha handles better than most beaches. When the swell is small, good peaks can often be found up the "Big Beach" at North Piha, usually at higher tides, sculpted by the streams and more dangerous currents that claim many swimmers lives. Directions: From Auckland head West through Glen Eden on West Coast Road. At Waitatarua make a left turn on to Piha Road, it should be sign posted to West Coast Beaches, follow this all the way to Piha. Coming into Piha turn on to Seaview Road, down to the beach and turn off for either South Piha or North Piha, you can see the beach as you come down the hill. There is a South Piha Lifesaving Club and a North Piha Lifesaving Club. Environment: When it's big, it's experts only and there's a few of them around. Beware the iron-sand gets mighty hot in the sun. The beach is backed by the Waitakere Ranges, a protected parkland of sub-tropical forest, accessible through numerous bush tracks.