Explore the Giant Te Paki Sand Dunes

If you're traveling in the Northland of New Zealand, you must be going to Cape Reinga, the most northern part of New Zealand. So on the drive up and looking west, the view suddenly changes and boom. Massive sand dunes. Like, it's unreal! Where did they come from? How are they are so big?

You know how the signs on the beach usually says, "Please stay off dunes"? Well, you're more than welcome to run up and down these massive sand dunes that reach up to 100 meters high and only 17 km from the Cape Reinga! Hey, it's along the way... so you might as well check it out.

Take the turn at a brown sign that says, "Giant Sand Dunes - 4km" and continue to drive straight on the road till you reach the carpark in front of the dunes. (It's not a big carpark so during the high season it may be hard to snag a spot.) To get on the dunes, there is a stream that runs between the car park and the dunes - there's no avoiding it, so lose the shoes, roll up your pants, and get ready for a little crossing. It'll be well worth it!

Being on the dunes is free! But do you want to give sand boarding a try? Don't have your own gear? No worries. There are rentals for hire that are made for the sand near the carpark!

Run to the top of the hills and on a clear day you can see all the way out to the ocean. Seriously take a moment and soak it all in. It's not every day you get to play on sand dunes and have views like these.

You're sure to get in your steps for the day 👌