A Surprising Desert at the Edge of New Zealand

The massive sand dunes near Cape Reinga—often called the Te Paki Sand Dunes—are one of the most striking natural landscapes in New Zealand. Located just south of Cape Reinga at the northern tip of the North Island, these dunes feel more like a desert than a coastal environment.

A Worthwhile Detour

This is a very cool little detour on the way up to Cape Reinga. The gravel road is manageable, and there’s a parking lot (Google Maps link here) as well as toilets on the premises.

Towering Dunes and Stunning Views

Some dunes rise up to 150 meters (about 500 feet), creating a dramatic, ever-shifting landscape. The bright golden sand sits in contrast to lush greenery and the deep blue waters of the Tasman Sea—an unusual and beautiful combination.

If you have the time and energy to climb to the top, the view is said to be absolutely stunning.

A Walk, a Wade, and a Warning

We parked and enjoyed a delightful walk across the dunes, followed by a refreshing wade in the stream. Interestingly, the stream also serves as a road leading out to Ninety Mile Beach.

Be aware of local off-road vehicles driving through—often at speed—to avoid getting stuck. They won’t stop for unsuspecting tourists standing in the stream!

Sandboarding: Thrills (and Sand Everywhere)

The dunes are famous for sandboarding—exactly what it sounds like: sledding down steep sand slopes. We tried it back in 1997 on our first visit. We remember the thrill… but also the sand in every crevice for days afterward.

So, no sandboarding for us this time.

If you’re keen, you can rent boards nearby, usually from local operators along Te Paki Stream Road.

Onward to Cape Reinga

Having only filled our sandals with sand this time, we headed back onto the highway and continued our journey toward the very top of New Zealand—Cape Reinga.