A stunning beach run up to Cape Turnagain, on the eastern coast of the Manawatu-Whanganui region. The cape takes its name from Captain Cook, who famously turned back here and sailed the opposite way around the island due to the sea conditions. The route runs along open sand beneath the dunes, with sweeping coastal scenery and the rolling hills of the hinterland behind you. This is a low-tide trip, so check the tides carefully before you set out — at high tide the sea washes right up against the dunes and you could be in for a long wait, or worse, caught out. As with any beach drive, soft sand and shifting conditions reward sensible tyre pressures and a watchful eye on the water. A memorable, scenic outing best timed around a falling tide.