Piha Beach

This was yet another extraordinary view and black sand beach provided by western New Zealand. We were fortunate enough to spend some time here after our canyoning adventure Thursday. While there I met one of our drivers who works for the company we went to - awoladventures.co.nz. He also knew just about everything about everything when it came to New Zealand history and was able to explain why the black sand on the beach. Simply put, years ago a giant volcano exploded on the north island near Mount Taupo. Because of this eruption the sands were filled with black iron deposits that on a sunny day could feel like one would walk across heated metal - excruciating. This beach isn't known just for its black sand tho. They hold annual surfing competitions here for the best in the world. National championships usually take place here due to the constant amount and size of waves coming in. I'm talking 15 foot waves easy and every 5 seconds a new one would come in right after the previous one. This beach holds the record  for the most waves crashed upon the beach each year. It was a great sight to see and highly recommend it. Just watch out for the rip currents - they'll take you away in a hurry towards the rock formations on the left and right sides.