I hit the sand in the Far North - joined by Sam from SwampChook Overland for a couple of days exploring an area I've never seen before. Epic sand dunes, epic beach, epic camping - you get the gist.
Drop down a fairly steep bank into an amazing area where you can follow the tracks behind the dunes or continue the climb over and head out to the beach.
Best not tackled after rain as it could be super slippery. Heading up is a tad harder than heading down.
Join this track up with others in the area and there's days worth of adventures in the area and up in the dunes.
While it's not long, the ups-and-downs mean you can't travel too quickly on this track. It's stunning though and well worth the trip along it! There's a water crossing near the northern end that can be deep, be sure to walk it first as there's nothing to winch off if you get stuck.
Head up to the old Pouto lighthouse - a bucket list item for any Kiwi who loves beach driving!
A lighthouse was built at North Head in 1884. The customs office was shifted to Te Kōpuru in 1903. The lighthouse was automated in 1947, and closed in the mid 1950s. The structure still exists and was renovated in 1982–84
The beach can be tricky - there are patches of very soft sand where you wouldn't expect them.
Keep an eye on the tides when in this area, it'd be easy to get caught out.
Ripiro Beach is New Zealands longest driveable beach and is longer than the more famous 90 Mile Beach at North Cape. This 107km long beach is backed by high, golden sand dunes and is the site of many shipwrecks, including a French man of war and ancient Portuguese ships.
The beach is a gazetted highway and the standard rules of the road apply. It is possible to drive along its hard sands two hours either side of low tide, 4WD vehicles are recommended. It is suggested that you ask locals about the conditions before venturing on to the sands. You can drive all the way from Pouto in the South to the Maunganui Bluff in the North, however before you head out please check the tides.
WARNING: around the tip and in some dune areas there can be quick sand present (especially close to high tide). It is advised to have two vehicles and be well prepared with recovery gear. Also tyre pressures can be vital. Please talk to locals you encounter and just ask about conditions down the beach.