Strong Current, Large Waves, Unstable Cliffs, Submerged Rocks, Swim between Markers, Almost Certain Death, Enjoy Your Beach

We had to take the car over to North Island and drive to Piha Beach, the famous black sand beach.

Earlier that week we watched the local reality show: Piha Beach Rescue.

They rescue people early and often. When we got there, we could see why. The surf was the roughest we've ever seen. We didn't bring our suits.

The sand was strange; like walking on talcum powder. No discomfort or grinding feeling as we walked barefoot. Even with our shoes and socks on with sand stuck to our feet, no discomfort.

See 23 photos here.