In short
- Expect to spend about 45 minutes on the dunes.
- Wear shorts and bring a change of clothes because sand gets everywhere.
- Listen to your guide's instructions to prevent injuries.
In this article
Most full-day coach tours stop at the Te Paki sand dunes. The dunes resemble a desert landscape towering near the coast. You hike up the steep sand hills and ride a boogie board down to the bottom. It requires physical effort to climb, but the ride down is fast.
What do I need to know about sandboarding at Te Paki?
Sandboarding involves walking up large sand dunes and sliding down on a board.
The dunes are steep and require a short but demanding climb. You will carry your board to the top. Coach tours usually provide the boards. You typically spend about 45 minutes at this site.
What should I wear for sandboarding?
Wear shorts and comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting sandy.
Sand gets into everything during the ride. Bring a change of clothes if you plan to board. You will need sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare and blowing sand. Apply high SPF sunscreen before you arrive.
| Item | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Shorts / change of clothes | Sand gets into all clothing during the ride down. |
| Sunglasses | Protects eyes from glare and blowing sand. |
| High SPF sunscreen | The dunes offer zero shade from the sun. |
| Water bottle | Climbing the dunes is hot, hard work. |
How do you climb the dunes?
You walk directly up the sand, carrying your board with you.
Take your time walking up the steep inclines. The sand shifts under your feet, making the climb strenuous. Many visitors walk up barefoot, but check the sand temperature first. Drink plenty of water from your reusable bottle before and after the climb.
What are the safety rules for Te Paki?
Follow your tour guide's instructions carefully before starting your slide.
Keep your limbs on the board to avoid tumbling. Wait for the person ahead of you to clear the bottom before you slide. The boards can pick up significant speed on the steep sections.
Do tours provide the sandboards?
Most coach tours include the use of sandboards in their ticket price.
For example, the 11-hour full-day tours from Paihia generally supply the boards. If you self-drive to the reserve via State Highway 1, you must rent a board from local vendors near the entrance. Remember, rental cars cannot drive on Ninety Mile Beach.
Is the Te Paki stop included on all tours?
Full-day coach tours usually include this stop, but scenic flights skip the sandboarding.
Scenic flights take 4.5 hours and land at an airstrip for a guided minibus tour. They focus on the lighthouse and beaches instead of the dunes. If sandboarding is your priority, book a bus tour.
Questions travellers ask
How long do you spend at the Te Paki sand dunes?
Tours usually allocate about 45 minutes for climbing and sliding down the dunes.
Can I skip the sandboarding on a bus tour?
Yes. You can choose to watch others board or simply take photos of the dunes. You do not have to ride down.
Are there places to wash the sand off?
There are no formal showers at the dunes. Bring a towel and a change of clothes to brush off before getting back on the bus.
