A collection of stories written by the people who found their way to the edge of the world and stayed.

Piha, Auckland, New Zealand

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36.954°S, 174.471°E

The Other End of the World.

Piha is forty minutes west of central Auckland on a road that takes longer than the distance suggests. You drive through the Waitākere Ranges - the forested hills that separate the city from its iconic west coast beaches - and somewhere in the middle of that bush, the air changes. By the time the Tasman opens up in front of you, you've left the city behind in a way the distance shouldn't really allow.

This is the case for Piha. What it is, what it isn't, why it stays with you. And why, after six years of living here, it still surprises us most days.

Featured Stories

Stories (Main)
The fleeting art of David Hilliam.
The fleeting art of David Hilliam.

If you’ve ever come across a mandala etched into the sand, or an intricate artwork stretching across the shoreline, you’ve likely stumbled across David’s work.

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The Wildlife of Piha.
The Wildlife of Piha.

From the song of a tūī in the bush to dolphins beyond the breakers, Piha is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife. Explore the birds, marine life, streams and native species that make this wild corner of Auckland so special.

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Who’s a Good Dog?
Who’s a Good Dog?

A guide worth looking at before you arrive. Rules do occasionally change, so if you're visiting Piha with your dog, it's worth checking Auckland Council's latest dog access map.

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The story of Te Kawerau ā Maki.
The story of Te Kawerau ā Maki.

This is a short telling of the story of Te Kawerau ā Maki — the mana whenua of Piha, of the Waitākere Ranges, and of much of what is now West Auckland. It is not a complete account.

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