• New Zealand
    Knock it off with the scenery. NZ has too much!
    The Tasman SeaWhatipu Beach in the distanceBig cliff. I mean BIG!Lion Rock, Piha Beach. It's huge.Tree fern canopyKitekite FallsThe creek. No fishMore CreekView from Piha Beach store with Xmas Tree.Kitekite FallsSteeper than it looks!

    Auckland - Side trip to Piha Beach

    December 22, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Last day in NZ. Have a full day to kill so we went to the west coast to do a couple of walks around Piha Beach.
    First one was the Mercer Bay walk. Absolutely stunning scenery and hot, and effing steep. We made the last lookout midway through the loop then back tracked to the car rather than complete the loop in the hot sun. Did I mention it was steep! Legs were jelly when we got back!
    So what next? Let's go and have a look at Kitekite (Kitaykitay) Falls. A short 25 minute walk along a creek. Did I mention it was steep? Most of it was boardwalk with a creek crossing on stepping stones and lots of steps. Worth it though. Much bigger than the creek suggested. Popular swimming hole as well.
    Then to Piha Beach for lunch. Genuine NZ pork pie. Then, off to Costco to fill the car up and back to the hotel to recover.    Read more