The Poutu Inland Route is the alternate way from Pouto up to Ripiro Beach in Northland, handy when you need to bypass the tides. It runs through dune country with quick sand, soft sand and some steep, satisfying hill climbs that make it a fun, scenic outing for those who enjoy testing their navigation skills. The catch is that the track is very easy to lose, as wind quickly covers any wheel marks, so it's best not tackled solo and is far safer with a second vehicle along. Plan for the trip to take a while, keep your speed down as there may be others on the track, and carry recovery gear and know how to use it. Like any beach or dune route, this is logged as a best effort and things will change, so follow your eyes. It's a beautiful spot worth exploring, even for an overnight in the dunes, so do your part and leave it tidier than you found it.