Ninety Mile Beach

Despite its name, this legendary beach stretch runs 88 kilometers from Ahipara to Scott Point, where the Tasman Sea’s relentless swells have carved New Zealand’s longest driveable beach. You’re literally driving on State Highway designation here — it’s legal and even appears on some GPS units as a road option. The firm sand near the water’s edge provides the best surface, but tides, wind, and shifting conditions mean this isn’t your typical coastal cruise. Locals fish from 4WDs parked in the surf, and you’ll pass giant kauri logs washed down from upstream forests.

High clearance 4WD with good tires essential — this beach will humble overconfident drivers when sand conditions change. Check tide times religiously and plan your trip for two hours either side of low tide for safest passage. Vehicles get bogged regularly, especially tourists who hit soft sand patches or misjudge the conditions. Summer offers best weather but busiest traffic, while winter brings solitude and gnarlier conditions. Fill up in Kaitaia and carry recovery gear — it’s a long, expensive tow if you get stuck halfway.