Rarawa Beach sits on the east coast of the far north, in Northland, and is reached by a gravel road that leads to the carpark before you drop onto the sand. The big draw here is the stunning white-sand beach, where you can drive right along the shore. Hook a right once you're on the sand and you can follow it all the way to the estuary, where the water runs clear and calm — a perfect spot for a swim or to pull up for breakfast with the view. It's a quiet, scenic stretch that's a firm favourite with those who make the trip. The going is generally easy, but the sand can get soft, especially the section between the tide lines, so engaging 4H is a good idea. Keep an eye on the tide, as high water makes access trickier the further you want to go, and watch out for other people on the beach during busy times. There's camping nearby too if you want to linger.