Piha is a small laidback coastal settlement, just 40 kilometres from Auckland City on the beautiful West Coast. Population around 600.
It is one of the most popular beach destinations in the area, especially in summer and is considered by many the birthplace of surfing in New Zealand.
A feet-sinking stroll along the warm black iron sands of Piha Beach will take you to one of the most iconic, photographed, and notorious natural rock formations in the North Island: Lion Rock. This majestic battered volcanic rock, severely eroded over 16 million years, is aptly named for its uncanny similarity to a lying male lion
when viewed from the right angle.
To Maori, Lion Rock was called Te Piha, a name now given to the entire beach. Te Piha, in reference to the patterns of waves separating and breaking on the front of the rock, is similar to that of waves on the bow of a Waka, or Maori canoe.
It was a popular tourist climb challenge until a past rock fall rendered the summit inaccessible. The landmark is now considered very dangerous and impossible to climb. Safety barriers were set up on the rock to stop unthinking people determined to conquer this vertical stone beast. Visitors can, however, climb halfway up the rock, to a stone seat for which to enjoy the stunning views around both sides of Lion Rock. Near a Maori carving positioned at the base of the rock is a plaque that reads, ‘Te Kawarau a Maki people have lived, fought and died here, retrace their steps with respect.’
The notorious location is a known setting for numerous suicides and drowning incidents through the years, mainly occurring during the night. Some have fallen to their deaths after ignoring the warning signs and proceeding to attempt to climb to the summit. Unstable footing, lack of climbing experience and crumbling rock underfoot usually decide their unfortunate fate. In a more recent tragic incident that could have been avoided, a group of young men decided to camp on the top of Lion Rock overnight. When one went out in the dark to relieve himself, he walked off the edge of the rock. In 2012, A woman died after falling from Lion Rock whilst attempting to climb the landmark in the dark, wearing high-heeled boots. Alcohol and drugs were soon found to be a major contributing factor in her death.
Many people have claimed to have seen spirits on the rock at night. Some stories describe mysterious misty figures sighted around the base of Lion Rock, while other tales mention a figure standing at the very tip of the rock, looking out into the wild ocean beyond, before disappearing.
It has been said the spirits climbing the mountain, have red piercing eyes.
Another mystery phenomenon surrounding Lion Rock, yet not widely known about, are continued sightings of a mysterious deformed troll-like creature, (or a few creatures) witnessed by climbers and a few scanning the rock at a distance via binoculars. Described as small and thin, naked, hunched over and possibly even green-skinned. They allegedly have large eyes, and sharp teeth and are considered dangerous by those who have come across them. They have been witnessed, sometimes within days of a tragic suicide or death by falling.
Some believe these creatures live within the rock, perhaps in a small cave, and attack those who dare attempt to ascend their sacred home, throwing them off the rock, or scaring them into jumping as their only means of escape. Stories tell of their screeching high-pitched cries being carried across the wind at night.
