North Piha beach stretches from Lion Rock northwards to Te Waha Point, and is part of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.

The area here has retained much of its natural beauty and isolation. There are two streams disgorging onto North Piha, the lagoons formed by these streams create great swimming places for small children.

The waters are dangerous for swimming so ensure you stay between the flags as there have been several drownings here. Piha is a black sand beach, due to the high iron content, which is of volcanic origin.

Much quieter than its southern end, this is where the clothing optional area is for some quiet unofficial nude bathing. Immediately to the north of Piha is Whites Beach, another spot for naked bathing (see White Beach listing for further information); land access is only by foot.