Firm sand and open shoreline set the tone along this stretch of the southern coast, with wide ocean views and the wild, exposed feel you get at the bottom of the country.

The driving is easy enough when the sand is firm, but it's an exposed run where conditions can turn quickly. Keep an eye on the sea and the weather as you go, and watch for soft patches and shifting tide lines.

Tide awareness is the main thing. The beach can be cut off at high tide and in stormy weather, so plan around the tide tables and leave yourself a comfortable margin. Time it well and it's an atmospheric drive.