Far North NZ: 90 Mile Beach, Cape Reinga & Sandboarding Day Trip

Summary

Ride the sands of Ninety Mile Beach to windswept Cape Reinga with local stories and wild dune adventures

You’ll ride along Ninety Mile Beach in a 4x4 coach with a local guide sharing stories, stop for morning tea by the sea, stand at Cape Reinga where two oceans meet, and try sandboarding down giant dunes (if you’re brave). Includes lunch and all transport—expect salty air, laughter, and moments that linger longer than you think.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever seen two oceans crash into each other?” That’s what our guide, Dave, asked as we bumped along Ninety Mile Beach in this big 4x4 coach. I’d never even thought about it before. The windows were open just enough to let in that salty wind — sharp and almost sweet at the same time — and the tires made this weird humming sound over the hard-packed sand. There were wild horses in the distance, just standing there like they owned the place. Someone up front tried to count them but gave up after five. It felt like we were driving right off the edge of New Zealand.

We stopped for morning tea in a tiny seaside town (I didn’t catch the name — sorry), and I remember the smell of strong coffee mixing with seaweed from the shore. People chatted quietly or just stared at the water. After that, Dave told us about Te Oneroa-a-Tohe — that’s what locals call Ninety Mile Beach — and how tides decide everything here, even which way you drive. He was full of these little stories; I liked how he’d pause sometimes, like he was remembering something from his own childhood.

Cape Reinga itself is… well, it’s not flashy. There’s this lighthouse perched above where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean actually meet — you can see two shades of blue colliding if you look long enough. The wind up there is serious; it whipped my hat clean off (caught it though). Some people went quiet for a minute or two, maybe because Dave mentioned it’s a sacred place for Māori — where souls begin their journey home. That stuck with me more than I expected.

I nearly chickened out on the sandboarding at Te Paki dunes but ended up giving it a go anyway. Sand in my mouth, sand everywhere honestly, but everyone was laughing so hard nobody cared. Lunch tasted extra good after that — fresh sandwiches and fruit eaten with sandy hands under a bit of shade. The whole day felt both huge and simple at once; I still think about that view from Cape Reinga when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Far North New Zealand full-day tour

• Morning tea at seaside township
• Visit Kā Uri kauri wood workshop
• Cruise along Ninety Mile Beach
• Stop at Cape Reinga Lighthouse
• View where two seas meet

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Paihia to Cape Reinga?

The tour is a full-day trip departing from Paihia and returning in the evening.

Is sandboarding included on this Far North New Zealand tour?

Yes, sandboarding at Te Paki Sand Dunes is included if conditions allow; boards are provided.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, a freshly prepared lunch is included during your day trip.

Are there stops for morning tea?

Yes, there is a morning tea stop at a scenic seaside township along the route.

What vehicle is used for Ninety Mile Beach?

The tour uses a specialty-built 4x4 coach designed for driving on Ninety Mile Beach.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Is pickup included from Paihia hotels?

The tour includes pickup; check-in is required 15 minutes before departure time.

Should I bring anything special for sandboarding?

A change of clothes is recommended for sandboarding; also bring sunscreen and flat-soled shoes.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Paihia, all transport by 4x4 coach along Ninety Mile Beach with commentary from a local guide, morning tea by the sea, entry to Cape Reinga lighthouse area, sandboards for dune surfing (if weather allows), plus a fresh prepared lunch before heading back in the evening.