Piha 1951

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$ 599.00 NZD
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This 1951 aerial view of Piha, looking northwest, captures its iconic black sand beaches and surf. The image splits north and south beaches, divided by Lion Rock – a 16-million-year-old eroded volcanic neck named for its resemblance to a reclining lion.

Traditionally known as Te Piha, this name also applied to the wider area and reflects the wave patterns against the rock. The photo was taken by Whites Aviation, known for their popular aerial photography publications and aviation history collections.

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Piha. Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs. Ref: WA-26142-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23081596

This vintage photographic print transports you back to the rugged beauty of Auckland's west coast in the 1950s, capturing the iconic black sand beaches and untamed surf that have made places like Piha, Karekare, and Mercer Bay legendary. The image offers an aerial view of Piha, showcasing the famous Lion Rock, a volcanic neck that rises proudly from the shoreline, as waves break along the coast and lifeguards from the Piha Surf Club stand ready, embodying the spirit of surf lifesaving and the safety that draws beachgoers back every summer. In the background, the Waitākere Ranges provide a lush green contrast to the inky sand, with trails like the Te Henga Walkway winding through native bush and offering panoramic coastal views. The photograph captures the simple pleasure of a Kiwi beach holiday, with baches dotting the landscape and surf breaks inviting adventure. Whether it’s camping by Whites Beach, hiking to Kitekite Falls, or beachcombing along North Piha, this print evokes the charm of New Zealand’s west coast in a bygone era. With its timeless tones and nostalgic feel, it’s a perfect piece for lovers of vintage NZ art, celebrating a slice of Kiwi life where nature, ocean, and outdoor adventure meet.
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Large Scale Framed Prints on a wall

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Get lost in the detail and transform your space with our immersive, large-scale framed and poster prints.

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Scanned Photograph Restoration

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Our prints are respectfully restored and printed on gallery-quality Enhanced Matte paper.

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HANDCRAFTED in NZ

Our frames are sustainably sourced, solid wood frames handmade in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.

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SIZE GUIDES

L
XL
Framed Print
87.1cm x 62.4cm
124cm x 89cm
Frame (width x depth)
2cm x 3cm
3cm x 2cm
Print only
84.1cm x 59.4cm (A1)
118.9cm x 84.1cm (A0)
L
XL
Framed Print
62.4cm x 87.1cm
89cm x 124cm
Frame (width x depth)
2cm x 3cm
3cm x 2cm
Print only
59.4cm x 84.1cm (A1)
84.1cm x 118.9cm (A0)

PRINT & FRAME DETAILS

  • Our framed prints do NOT use mat bevel-cut card borders. If you wish to get a mat bevel-cut border please get in touch.
  • We use gallery-quality enhanced matte paper (230gsm) using archival pigment inks on the latest Epson printers.
  • Our frames are sustainably sourced, solid wood, and handmade in New Zealand with glazing to protect your print. If you wish to add UV protection and anti-reflective coatings to glazing please get in touch.
  • D-rings and cord will be pre-installed on your frame. Nails and instructions to help you hang your frame included.

SHIPPING & DELIVERY

  • All of our frames and prints are locally made to order.
  • Shipping costs are calculated at checkout.
  • Framed prints dispatch within 10 business days .
  • Print only dispatch within 5 business days.
  • Orders are shipped via tracked couriers. Standard service to non-rural areas is overnight in the North Island and 2 business days for the South Island.
  • Larger framed orders bound for Auckland may be delivered by our suppliers own vehicle to reduce risk of damage. You will receive an SMS message on the day we plan to deliver and you can respond to this message to provide a safe location to leave the package.
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Piha 1951
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