LION ROCK !

I climbed Lion Rock today .. something I've wanted to do for a while, but it's very steep and dangerous.
Lion Rock, is an icon of Piha Beach, and is actually an eroded remnant of an ancient volcanic plug.
It was also a fortified Maori pa.

So, today, despite the winds, I took my time and made it to the summit!
Frighteningly beautiful views and it's left me wanting to live here more than ever..



Lion Rock in the distance

This was the point that I returned to the car and got the camera - I was so going to record my attempt at climbing Lion Rock!



The steps up the rock - if you can call them steps!

These steps caused a little concern, they seemed to disappear and basically became a rock climbing exercise with occasional iron hoops set into the rock to hang on to.


The view from one side, half way up!

Spectacular view, you have to imagine the constant roar of the waves rolling in and the wind blowing fiercely against you.


The view the other side..

This side is The Gap and the waves smashing against the rocks - it was so violent that I couldn't even see any surfers.


View from the top!

Made it! There was a bench here, that some thoughtful person had put with an inscription in tiles at the side. Thank you!


Pou at the top

The significance of this rock, to Maori is illustrated by the carved guardian pou at the top.
The steep climb leads up to a lookout and you cannot climb to the top of Lion Rock due to the area’s Wahi Tapu significance. However, not knowing this, I did.



She gazes out to sea

The pou carving has curling fern shapes at the base and the eyes ar of paua shell.



Back at ground level

Made it down back to the beach and sat in the sunshine amongst the sea daisies.



View round the coast with spring flowers

Freshly roasted coffee from the Lion Rock cafe and a well-earned rest!