Waiinu Beach is one of Manawatu-Whanganui's famous black sand beaches, offering a reasonably simple run up and down the coast. The dark volcanic sand and open ocean views make for a memorable drive, with rocky heads punctuating the shoreline.

Keep a close eye on the tides, as those heads can trap you if you get caught out at the wrong time, so plan your trip around the tide tables. The sand gets softer as you near the river at the northern end, so take care in that stretch.

This is a straightforward and scenic introduction to beach driving for those with the right tides and a bit of common sense. As always on soft sand, drop your tyre pressures and carry recovery gear in case you get bogged.