Waitarere Beach sits on the Horowhenua coast in the Manawatu-Whanganui region, and this short, easy run takes you along the sand to the wreck of the Hydrabad, a sailing ship that ran aground here in 1878. There's not a lot of the wreck left these days, but it's a cool bit of coastal history to seek out.

The driving itself is straightforward beach work on firm sand and gravel. On a good day it's gentle enough to manage in a 2WD, so this is a relaxed cruise rather than a technical challenge.

As with any beach drive, keep an eye on the tide and conditions before heading out. A scenic trip that suits a casual day at the coast.