Before every winter's arrival I sense its presence. I feel the bitter chill in the air, and the familiar scent of snow. At first it’s a welcomed phenomenon. The idea of bundling up with plush blankets and hot cocoa sounds appealing. This feeling, however, is short lived for me. After a few snow storms, when I can't feel my nose and toes, and I'm so bitterly cold that by the time I get inside I'm sweating from moving so fast, I remember how much I miss summer. Actually, this year, I'll remember how much I miss Piha. Piha, on the wild west coast of New Zealand, will become my recurring destination as an escape from New York winters.

My month in Piha fulfilled every expectation I've ever foolishly had. Moreover, it created a precedent that I now measure all winter destinations to. When looking for tranquil relaxation, adrenalin packed adventure, or a choice of nightlife activities, its common to have to rely on tour companies and transportation. But not here. In Piha, I found the best of everything. There was a level of relaxation and comfort that surpassed any home environment I’ve ever made for myself. I felt like I was home. On the other hand, when the weekend rolled around, whether on the beach or in Auckland, it was easy to find the hotspots of the area. So for people like me, who want to have it all, Piha is heavenly. I can count the number of days on one hand on which I didn't wear my bathing suit.

It goes without saying the mood and atmosphere of a place can change from day to day. The residents of Piha oppose new commercial ventures in their village and have succeeded in preventing the availability of new licenses. So for now, what you see is what you get. You will see Peter greet you at the airport in his surf shuttle, the only owner/operator airport transfer. He'll bring you to the door of wherever you want to go, and probably come in for a cup of tea. Most people know each other, living in homes scattered around the rainforest hillside overlooking the Tasman Sea. It's your typical harmonious blend of young surfers, old surfers, artists, retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and yogis. Hidden throughout the village, Piha offers a multitude of accommodation options like camping, B & B's, hostels, and self contained cottages and caravans.

The wild west coast gets its name for a reason, and Piha is one of the most popular and hazardous surf beaches in the country. The surf club is a volunteer organization that's in the heart of the community. In the summers (our winters), they house full time lifeguards who patrol the beach and make dramatic saves every day.

The surf club also hosts weekend events in the summer, mostly fundraising. Bands and DJs leave the confines of the city and play in Piha. Most weekend days the village hosts international surf competitions. The beach literally fills up. It’s a drastic change from the weekday isolation! The beach is divided in half by Lion Rock, a monolith protruding from the water's edge.