There is so much to see and do in Piha. The community out here is vibrant and caters to a wide variety of interests. Piha has a permanent population of around 900 residents (and growing) which doubles in summer time.
Originally a Maori settlement, from Te Kawerau a Maki, Europeans discovered Kauri and set up a mill here which ran until the 1920’s. The field and the old Mill Camp are still in use at the end of Glen Esk but for more recreational and sports purposes away from the main hub and tourists.
The Hub of Piha, where our office can be found, really does have the feel of a community centre. It has the community Library which is run by local volunteers, The Piha Café which offers a welcome dining option for locals as well as the busier tourist hours, the Piha Store for those essentials you missed over the hill, Piha’s Post Office for those secure deliveries to your new home and the West Coast Gallery, with its pride of local artists next to the Piha Fire Station. There is a small kids playground, a tennis club and the Piha Bowling Club which also doubles as a music venue and restaurant.
Down Beach Valley Road leading down past the Piha RSA there is the Piha Surf Club. Both venues continue a tradition of good eats, drinks and music.
Up the road towards the North Head the Barnet Hall stands proud. Built in the 1950’s with funds donated by Frank Barnett, sited on land generously gifted to the community by the Waygood family, Barnet Hall is the site of community meetings and a variety of classes and groups. Its is right next to United Piha Surf Lifeguard’s Club and houses our Playgroup and Play School and the community fair on Labour Day.
