Without a doubt, this was one of the best sunsets of my entire life. The black, volcanic sands of the beach were warm from the days sun. Before we reached the waves we crossed small, idling tributaries that were so hot they felt almost sulfuric. Only a short 50 minute drive from Auckland, this beach was the perfect escape from the labyrinth of the city. While Auckland only has a population of around 1 million, coming from the wide desolation of the Sierra it was easy to find myself overwhelmed by the people and the traffic. Piha offered a sense of tropical isolation and wonder.
The drive itself, while simple in its directions, snakes and cuts through vivid views of tropical hills covered in a mystic fog and mist that emanates from the ocean.
Mixtape for the Ride, Courtesy of Jasibe Cure-Twede featured some perfect gems for the scenery and the descending dusk:
