Do you consider sandboarding near Cape Reinga while visiting New Zealand? We definitely recommend that activity. It’s not only a lot of fun for adults, but even small children find a unique nature playground here.

The Te Paki sand dunes are one of the most fascinating in New Zealand. With a height of 150m it’s just great to rent a board and glide down. Very convenient that the sandboarding boogie board rental is just next to the dunes.

Unfortunately without a lift one needs to walk up the dunes, which takes a lot longer than boarding down. Nevertheless it’s a lot of fun, as the boogie board is nothing but slow.

Situated in the upper North, only 25km away from Cape Reinga, you can’t miss them. The sign Te Paki Recreation Reserve will show you the way and lead you directly to the dunes and the refreshing, shallow Te Paki Stream. This Stream leads directly into the tasmanian sea. Famous Ninety Mile Beach is only 2.5km away. So you could combine the lighthouse of Cape Reinga, sandboarding and the Ninety Mile Beach on one trip.

There’s no real parking spot. Cars park just next to the gravel road. Tour busses stop by on their way to Cape Reinga and make the scenery a bit busy. But after 20min all tourists climb back into their air conditioned bus and leave you alone again. Then it’s time to step into the crystal clear water or just bath in it.

While one part drives down the dunes, the other ones enjoys the amazing sun and the perfect water:

Be prepared for picnic and just enjoy the calmness here. The small stream is perfect for kids to play in (we lost one spoon… so be careful 😉