Discovering Te Paki Sand Dunes
Located just before Cape Reinga on State Highway 1, Te Paki Sand Dunes are a remarkable natural attraction in the Far North of Northland. These towering dunes, reaching up to 150 metres in height, stretch 10 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide. The dunes provide a unique opportunity for sandboarding, as well as a unique departure from the typically blue and green colours of New Zealand.
Exploring the Dunes
From the car park on the south side of Te Paki Stream, you can cross the stream on foot to access the dunes or follow the stream for over 4 km to Ninety Mile Beach. Climbing the dunes can be challenging, but it is manageable and well worth the effort for the stunning views and the thrill of sandboarding back down. If you plan to spend some time on the dunes, take water.
Getting to Te Paki Sand Dunes
To visit Te Paki Sand Dunes, drive along State Highway 1 towards Cape Reinga. Look for the turn-off onto Te Paki Stream Road, approximately 20 km before reaching the cape, which will take you directly to the stream below the dunes.
While in the area, explore nearby Cape Reinga, a significant cultural site where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, Piwhane / Spirits Bay and explore a section of the coastal Te Paki Coastal Track.
