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Piha and Kitekite Falls

A suggested itinerary based in Auckland. Allow 1 day.

A suggested route for your own trip, inspired by the Journal’s locations. It is not a record of Andy’s personal itinerary.

Allow1 dayBaseAucklandRoute5 planned stages

Editorially reviewed 16 September 2026 · confirm live access before travelling.

Kitekite Falls — photograph from Andy’s Journal

Your suggested route

The times below are suggested allowances, not live opening hours or transport schedules. Adjust the order for your arrival time, bookings and conditions.

  1. Morning · Drive to Piha

    Leave Auckland after checking the current road and track information. Bring water, lunch or snacks and clean walking shoes. This is a west-coast nature day with slower roads and variable conditions, not a quick city-beach transfer.

  2. Late morning · Kitekite Falls track

    If open, follow the signed Kitekite route and allow around two hours with stops. Use the current track information to choose the permitted approach. Enjoy the forest and waterfall from designated areas; the visit should not depend on swimming or reaching an upper pool.

  3. Lunch · Piha village or picnic

    Return for a picnic or a confirmed open café. Give yourself an hour to eat and rest before the coast. Small local venues may have limited hours, so carrying food prevents a late lunch from becoming a long drive back to town.

  4. Afternoon · Piha beach

    Spend the afternoon on a short beach walk and at accessible viewpoints. The black sand and surf are the attraction, but the west-coast sea demands respect. Stay clear of dangerous rock platforms and do not treat an inviting photograph as an indication that swimming is suitable.

  5. Finish · Return in daylight

    Leave time for the drive back to Auckland while you are still alert. If the forest walk took longer than planned, shorten the beach visit rather than rushing the road journey.

Where to pause for food

Bring a picnic backup and enough drinking water for both forest and beach. A café stop is a welcome addition when available, not the only food plan. Keep snacks sealed and leave no litter at the falls or on the sand.

Getting around

A car or organised tour is the practical choice. Check the permitted parking and track access rather than following an old social-media approach. Download directions before reception becomes unreliable.

For a shorter day or different weather

If Kitekite is closed, make a coastal visit only where roads and public access are safe. In severe weather, stay in Auckland and choose an indoor day. Do not use an unofficial forest track as a replacement.

Before you go

Check current council and track alerts, use kauri-cleaning facilities and keep to the marked route. Follow local surf-lifesaving advice; swimming is optional. The walking allowance is a suggested leisurely visit, not a guarantee of track condition.

Visitor information and further planning

Use these destination, attraction and operator resources to check current access and arrangements before booking.

Places from the Journal

Explore the original Instagram posts from this destination.

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