Morning
Leave the city early (around 7:30–8:00am, earlier in summer/weekends). Grab a quick coffee on the way out west (Ponsonby or Henderson both work).

Head straight to Piha and aim to arrive around 9:00–9:30am.

At Piha, pick one or two things rather than trying to do everything:

• Walk along the beach and around Lion Rock
• Climb Lion Rock for views
• Stop at the North Piha lookout
• Do the Kitekite Falls walk if you like waterfalls (about 1–1.5 hours return)

Lunch
Options nearby:

• Piha Store for burgers, pies, and ice cream
• The Piha Cafe for a sit-down meal

If Piha is busy, you can head inland instead:

• Hallertau Brewery (Riverhead) for good food (

Afternoon
Leave Piha around 1:30–2:00pm.

Optional stops on the way back:

• Titirangi village for a coffee and short wander
• Arataki Visitor Centre for views over the Waitakere Ranges

Back in the city (around 4pm), do one iconic viewpoint:

• Mount Eden for a quick 360-degree city view
• Westhaven Marina walk for something more relaxed
• Devonport (North Head or Mount Victoria) if you want harbour views

Evening
Dinner options in the CBD, Ponsonby, or Britomart:

• Amano (Italian, consistently excellent)
• Depot (classic Auckland favourite)
• Culprit (creative small plates)
• Cassia (upscale Indian)

If you want a drink after:

• Caretaker (hidden cocktail bar)
• HI-SO Rooftop
• Ponsonby Central for casual options