One of New Zealand’s most underrated locations, the giant Te Paki Sand Dunes are located in the Far North near Cape Reinga. They stretch for kilometres along the coast and are over 100 m tall! The unique landscape makes you think that you are in the Sahara Desert, rather than on a small island in the South Pacific.

Sandboarding or boogie boarding down the dunes is a really popular activity! Bring your own board/cardboard/makeshift toboggan or rent one from the local store.

Remember: Don’t forget a sunhat and apply sunscreen - the dunes are exposed!

Personal tip: My favourite thing to do is to wander among the dunes and see what incredible landscapes you come across. Shaped by the wind, the dunes are always changing. They are a beautiful backdrop for photography, so let the sand be your blank canvas!

Pronunciation: Te Paki: teh paa-kee

Reinga: ray-ngaa

For more info, listen to Episode 068 of the Aotearoa Adventures podcast.