Anawhata, Black sand beach in Auckland Region, New Zealand.

Anawhata is a beach on the Tasman Sea coast of West Auckland, between the Waitākere Ranges and the sea, south of Te Henga / Bethells Beach and north of Piha. The Anawhata Stream flows into the sea here, and the beach and Parera Point support New Zealand flax, toetoe, tauhinu, Muehlenbeckia axillaris and buffalo grass.

Te Kawerau ā Maki occupied the Anawhata area for hundreds of years, establishing settlements and fortifications. The name refers to the elevated rock shelters in the surrounding bluffs, used during seasonal fishing expeditions. By 1870 Europeans had established farms and timber mills here, and a 14 km tramway was built between Anawhata and Whatipu to carry kauri logs.

The name Anawhata refers to the natural caves within the cliffs, which hold traditional stories of a noble woman rescued from imprisonment.

To reach this beach, take a 10-kilometer gravel road from Piha Road followed by a 30-minute steep descent through forest on foot. The trail is challenging, so wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water.

The name Anawhata refers to the raised rock shelters in the surrounding bluffs, used during seasonal fishing expeditions. Te Kawerau ā Maki tradition tells of a high-born woman held in a cave on the beach and rescued by her lover, who lowered a rope from the cliff above; this story may explain why the name became widely used by the iwi.