Whites Beach is a small beach to the north of Piha. Surrounded by steep cliffs, this tiny headland is home to grey-faced petrels that nest around the roots of Pohutukawa trees.
Whites Beach is very popular for surfing, swimming and fishing in summer with people wanting to avoid the crowds of nearby beaches. Because of its open and tumultuous nature, swimmers are best advised to remain on patrolled beaches.
Whites Beach is remote, has beautiful sand dunes, and you probably shouldn’t swim except in very calm conditions.
Enjoying the Whites Beach Walk
From the northern end of Piha Beach, Whites Beach is up and over the slope. Whites Beach is reached either by climbing the Laird Thomson Trail that runs at the end of North Piha off Kohunui Bay, or by taking the Marawhara Walk, which then joins the Whites Beach Track, which climbs up to Anawhata Road fairly relentlessly.
You then walk down a long steep concrete drive to end up over Whites Beach and then follow the track down to the sea.
Interesting Facts About Whites Beach
Whites Beach is named after a blacksmith named Francis White, whose son Francis arranged to buy most of the land on the West Coast from Te Kawerau a Maki. In 1861, Francis received the Crown Grant for 600 acres north of Piha.
Land at Whites Beach was bought by Jim Rose from HA Mobbs in 1925 and he built a beach that could only be reached by crawling up the cliff at North Piha, where there was no road to Anawhata until the 1930s.
Staying SAFE at The Beach
The beach is New Zealand’s favourite playground, but it can be a dangerous spot as well. Knowing about the hazards and risks and preparing yourself can ensure that you and your family will enjoy the heat, the sea, and the beach safely this summer.
The Water Safety Code is a perfect guide to keep yourself safe in and around the water. It consists of four basic rules to remember every time you venture into the water; Be Prepared, Look Out For Yourself and Others, Be Mindful of The Dangers, and Know Your Limits.
Important Reminders for Tourists
Animals | Dogs, other animals, and pets are forbidden at bookable sites and accommodation at all Auckland Council regional parks. Registered aid dogs are an exception. If you have a registered service dog with an exemption, you will need to remind our staff at the time of booking.
In all other areas of the park, unless otherwise stated in the dog-walking section, dogs have to be on their leash to keep them and the public safe at all times.
Alcohol | Visible and excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited. We may ask you and your party to leave the park and your permit will be revoked.
Smoke-Free Parks | As in all city parks and reserves in Auckland, smoking is not allowed. Our parks are all smoke-free.
Waste Disposal | Please keep our parks and beaches litter-free. Garbage bins were provided in the vicinity to dispose of your rubbish. If there are no bins available, take any trash with you when you leave.
Outdoor Fires | All public areas within the Auckland Region have a strict fire ban. It is illegal to light an open fire at Whites Beach and its surrounding areas.
