Soft sand and surf-pounded shore make for a classic West Coast beach run, well worth sneaking in for a look as you pass by. Waitaha Beach gives you that rugged coastal scenery without anything too demanding.

There are a few soft spots, so keep your momentum up and pick your line carefully. On the whole it's a good first beach for anyone new to driving on sand, and a few drivers have come away calling it an easy, confidence-building run.

Further north there's a large rock that gives some shelter from the wind, a handy spot to pull up for a break or lunch with the waves rolling in. As with any West Coast beach, keep an eye on the tides and conditions before you head out.