New Zealand is famous the world over as the global leaders in adventure tourism. After all, modern bungy jumping was invented right here. Whitewater rafting, black water rafting, skydiving, bungee jumping, zorbing and the luge aside, there’s one adventure activity that doesn’t attract as much fame as the rest: sandboarding!

New Zealand boasts some pretty big sand dunes, towering well over 150 metres high in some parts. You guessed it, we slide straight on down them. Kiwis are never one to shy away from an outdoor thrill seeking, adrenaline pumping rush, and sandboarding (or sand surfing as it’s also known) definitely fits into that category.

The giant, ever changing and evolving sand dunes of Te Paki at New Zealand’s most northern tip, are a sight to see while traveling Aotearoa and a highlight of our Cape Reinga day tour. If they weren’t on your list, they should be now.

If you’re planning on sandboarding on your way to or from Cape Reinga, there’s a few things you must know:

 

1. Bare feet are a must.

Take off your shoes and prepare to climb… and climb… and climb. It’s easier to walk in sand without shoes and saves you the task of having to search for one when you lose it coming down fast (and it is fast!).

Your feet are also your brakes, so you will be digging them in the sand at some point. This is more effective without footwear.

 

2. Remove it or lose it.

Make sure you’ve removed your jewellery, or anything that’s dangling or that may come off when you are speeding down. If you lose it here, you’ll never get it back again.

These sand dunes must hold loads of treasures from over the years – including phones of people trying to record their adrenaline journey! Get a mate to record you from the bottom instead, or use a GoPro or similar camera that you can strap on safely.

Do wear your sunglasses, though, to save your eyes from both the glare and the sand blowing into them.

 

3. How to sand board.

Lie down on your board, keeping your elbows tucked in and on the board. This helps you pick up speed while keeping your arms safe. Sand can be lethal when you’re going at high speed down the dunes. You’ll soon be sliding faster and faster down the giant hill!

When you’re ready to stop or just want to slow down a bit, dig your toes and feet into the sand behind you. This creates a drag and lets you slow down before hitting the flat at the bottom of the stream.

 

Getting a quick lesson before heading up the hill

 

4. Enjoy!

Repeat step 3 again and again, or for as long as you have enough breath to get up the dunes. (Which for me was only twice.)

 

About the Te Paki Sand Dunes

The Te Paki sand dunes don’t just attract the thrillseekers anxious to sand board. They are also a remarkable sight to take in while you stand at the foot of them. On a day that has a bit of a breeze you can stand and watch the dunes change shape right before your eyes. If you do have the energy, then walk up to the top for some amazing panoramic views.

Te Paki was once its own island disconnected from the mainland. Over millions of years, sand built up from volcanic activity elsewhere in New Zealand, and the dunes were created. Te Paki Stream is home to many native birds, lizards and fish life along with loads of native trees. The area surrounding the stream itself is protected by the Department of Conservation, so it’s teeming with the sounds of nature as you stand at the dunes.

Sandboarding the Te Paki sand dunes is definitely a bucket list activity!

 

Story by Amber Harris