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Why do people go to Te Paki Dunes & Ninety Mile Beach?
Travellers come for two distinct but connected experiences. At the Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes, you can walk onto the dune field in minutes, hire a sandboard, and carve down steep faces with sweeping views back to the coast. The dunes are easy to access from a nearby car park, and while the climbs are challenging, the thrill of the descent keeps most people going back for another run.
Just beyond the dunes lies Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē / Ninety Mile Beach, a wild west-coast shoreline stretching over 88 km. The beach is officially classified as a public highway, but rental vehicles are not permitted on the sand or on Te Paki Stream, which often acts as a route to the shore for local 4WDs. Visitors should stick to the sealed roads and designated access points or lookouts.
Interpretive signage at the dunes highlights dune ecology and safety tips for sandboarding.
How long should I spend at Te Paki Dunes & Ninety Mile Beach?
At the dunes, allow 1–2 hours. You’ll need time to:
Walk 5–10 minutes from the car park onto the sand
Hire a sandboard (vendors are usually near the car park)
Make several runs (and rest between climbs – the soft sand can be a workout)
Take in the views and grab some photos
If you want to add a Ninety Mile Beach viewpoint or picnic stop, plan for a half-day visit overall. Many campervan travellers combine this area with Cape Reinga, either before or after their lighthouse visit, depending on daylight, crowds, and wind direction.
Are the Te Paki Dunes and Ninety Mile Beach worth visiting?
Yes. The Te Paki Dunes offer a rare mix of low-effort access and high-impact scenery. It’s one of the few places in the country where you can go from a sealed road to standing on a dune face in under 10 minutes.
Ninety Mile Beach adds scale and drama, best viewed from lookouts or side roads if you’re in a rental. You don’t need to drive on the beach to appreciate the expanse – the combination of dunes, waves, and remoteness gives the area a distinct sense of space.
Together, these two locations capture the spirit of the Far North: raw, adventurous, and close to nature.
How to get to Te Paki Dunes and Ninety Mile Beach
Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes: From State Highway 1, turn onto Te Paki Road and follow signs to the day-use car park. The dunes are a short walk from here. Do not drive down Te Paki Stream – it’s 4WD only and prohibited for rental vehicles.
Ninety Mile Beach: Use sealed access points along the Aupōuri Peninsula. Lookout points or picnic stops offer the safest way to experience the coastline without needing to drive on the sand.
Pairing with Cape Reinga: The dunes are located just south of Cape Reinga, making them a logical stop after visiting the lighthouse. Plan the order of your visits based on tide times, daylight, and wind direction.
Best time to visit Te Paki Dunes and Ninety Mile Beach
The dunes and beach are accessible year-round, but the experience changes with the season and time of day.
Best season: Late spring to early autumn (October–April) usually brings warmer temperatures and lighter winds, ideal for climbing and sandboarding.
Best time of day for dunes: Early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is lower and the sand cooler. By midday in summer, sand can become uncomfortably hot, making it difficult to walk or board safely.
Best time for Ninety Mile Beach: Midday to sunset often provides the best light and visibility. Sunrise and sunset are also good options if you’re staying nearby.
Always check the tide forecast if you're heading close to the beach. Avoid any access tracks that could flood on a rising tide.
Weather at Te Paki Dunes and Ninety Mile Beach
This is an exposed coastal environment, so come prepared for sun and wind.
Expect:
Strong UV – sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential
Frequent wind – which can shift sand quickly and reduce visibility at ground level
No natural shade – bring water and dress in light, breathable layers
On windy days, avoid high dune faces with steep drop-offs, especially with children. Calm conditions allow for better visibility and smoother sandboarding runs, but always prioritise safety.
Best place to park your campervan at Te Paki Dunes and Ninety Mile Beach
Te Paki Dunes day-use car park (via Te Paki Road):
Gravel/sealed access with space for large vehicles. A short walk leads to the base of the dune field. Toilets are usually available nearby. Sandboards are available for hire from local vendors – bring cash or card just in case.
Ninety Mile Beach:
Use official lookouts and sealed beach access points only. Do not take your Britz campervan onto the beach or into Te Paki Stream. Overnight camping is not allowed on the beach – use a designated campground or freedom camping site for self-contained vehicles.
FAQs
Can I drive on Ninety Mile Beach in a rental camper?
No. Rental contracts (including Britz) prohibit driving on both Ninety Mile Beach and Te Paki Stream. Stick to SH1 and official roads.
Is Ninety Mile Beach really 90 miles long?
Not exactly – it’s about 88 km (55 miles) long. The modern Māori name is Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē.
Is sandboarding safe?
It can be fast and risky on steeper faces. Start slow, stay in control, and avoid crowded areas. Helmets and eye protection are a good idea, especially on windy days.
How much time should I allow at the dunes?
1–2 hours suits most visitors. That includes walking in, renting a board, taking several runs, resting, and taking photos.
Do I need 4WD to reach the dunes?
No. The Te Paki Road car park is accessible via sealed roads. Do not enter Te Paki Stream – it’s 4WD only and not permitted in any rental vehicle.
Road Trips that pass through
These Britz itineraries include the Te Paki Sand Dunes and Ninety Mile Beach area: