Ninety Mile Beach

Overview

Ninety Mile Beach runs almost unbroken along the western side of the Aupouri Peninsula, a hard-packed stretch of sand firm enough that it's legally classified as a road — coach tours drive its length as part of trips to Cape Reinga. Despite the name, it's closer to 90 kilometres than 90 miles, a measuring mix-up from early travellers estimating distance by how long it took to cross on horseback.

The Te Paki Stream, which crosses the beach near its northern end, is flanked by enormous sand dunes that have become one of the region's most popular activities: tobogganing down the dune faces on a boogie board.

Things To Do

• Sand tobogganing — slide down the Te Paki giant dunes on a boogie board, available through most Cape Reinga tours.
• Beach driving tour — join a coach or 4WD tour along the beach itself, generally safer than self-driving due to tides and soft sand.
• Fishing — a popular surfcasting beach, particularly for snapper and kahawai.
• Te Paki Stream walk — wade or walk along the stream that cuts through the dune field.
• Photography — the sheer scale of the beach and dunes makes for dramatic wide-open shots.

Getting There

Ninety Mile Beach is accessed from State Highway 1 near Kaitaia, and is usually visited as part of a Cape Reinga day tour from Kaitaia, Paihia or the Bay of Islands. Self-driving onto the beach itself isn't recommended.

Gallery

Nearby Attractions

Cape Reinga

The windswept meeting point of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean, at the top of the peninsula.

Kaitaia

The last major town before the Far North, and the usual starting point for beach tours.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The site where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840.

Reviews