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.
Tucked away in Northland, this short but characterful track drops down a fairly steep bank into a great area of dunes. From here you can follow the tracks running behind the dunes or push on over the climb and out to the beach. Heading up is a tad harder than heading down, so pick your line carefully on the steeper sections. The route is best left alone after rain, when the banks and dune tracks can turn super slippery. The real appeal is how this connects with other tracks in the area \u2014 link them together and there are days worth of dune driving and exploring to be had. A fun playground for those who enjoy soft sand and rolling terrain, with the reward of beach access at the end. Take care to read the conditions and tackle the climbs in the right gear.
Tucked away in Northland, the Te Marie Track is short but demanding, with constant ups-and-downs that keep your speed down and your attention up. The route runs along a gravel surface through pleasant bush and scenery that makes the trip worthwhile. The standout feature is a water crossing near the northern end that can run deep. Walk it first to check the depth and line, as there's nothing to winch off if you get stuck. Given how deep it can sit, a snorkel is strongly recommended before you tackle it. Despite its short length, the rolling terrain and that memorable crossing give this track real character, and the surrounding environment is genuinely stunning. A great little outing for those who like a bit of challenge mixed with good Northland views.
Head to the old Pouto lighthouse at the southern tip of Northland's Pouto Peninsula, near the mouth of the Kaipara Harbour - a bucket-list beach drive for any Kiwi who loves sand. The run reaches the lighthouse via the long expanse of Ripiro Beach and rolling dunes that seem to go on forever, with plenty of cool spots to camp for a night or two and wildlife to watch out for. A lighthouse was built at North Head in 1884. The customs office shifted to Te Kōpuru in 1903, the light was automated in 1947 and closed in the mid 1950s; the structure still stands and was renovated in 1982-84. The sand is very soft throughout, with quicksand patches and sudden drop-offs that appear without warning, so 4WD is essential - air down (around 12psi), keep your momentum and carry recovery gear. Cell service is poor, so don't tackle it solo if you're inexperienced with sand. Watch the tides closely; it's easy to get caught out. And please take your rubbish home.
Ripiro Beach is New Zealand's longest driveable beach, stretching 107 km along the Northland coast - longer than the famous 90 Mile Beach - and runs roughly between Aranga and Baylys Beach. Backed by golden sand dunes, it has a rich history of shipwrecks, including ancient Portuguese vessels and a French man-of-war. There's a hill climb up to the lighthouse at the Pouto end, and a maze of inland tracks through the dunes worth exploring, with some great hidden camp spots if you follow the track that runs behind the beach.
As a gazetted highway, standard road rules apply. You can drive its hard sands two hours either side of low tide; 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended. Check tides before heading out and ask locals about conditions. Soft spots can appear, especially just after high tide, so keep your momentum and eyes peeled. Quicksand may be present near the tip and in some dune areas. Travel with recovery gear, maintain suitable tyre pressures, and ideally have a second vehicle for support.