The rock
Like a crouching lion.
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Lion Rock is a huge volcanic rock on Piha Beach, on the west coast of the Auckland region in New Zealand. It splits the black-sand beach in two and is the symbol of Piha, one of the most popular day-trip beaches for Aucklanders. Its Māori name is Te Piha, which gave the whole area its name and refers to the pattern of the waves striking the rock. The area belonged to the Te Kawerau ā Maki tribe, with villages and fortified sites. Piha lies at the western edge of the Waitākere Ranges, on the Tasman Sea. You see a tall dark rock shaped like a crouching lion, reflected on the shining black sand and shallow water at low tide. White Tasman waves break on the wide beach, green hills and cliffs ring the bay, and in the evening the sun sets behind the rock. It is about 28 km from central Auckland in a straight line. Surf and currents at Piha are strong, so swim only between the lifeguard flags.
Like a crouching lion.
Shining black.
Behind the rock.
Piha Beach, West Auckland, New Zealand
From the rock's Māori name, Te Piha.
The surf is strong, so swim only between the lifeguard flags.