Dune Rider - Cape Reinga via 90 Mile Beach

Take in the sights and beauty of the Far North. Drive along 90 mile beach on the way to Cape Reinga and marvel at the diverse landscape.

Northland, the birthplace of a nation, is a great place to visit as there is so much to see and do. A must do is visiting Cape Reinga, one of New Zealand’s most northern points and sampling the freshest fish and chips from Mangonui Fish shop.

Explore NZ run a trip called Dune Rider, which departs from Paihia daily and spends the whole day exploring the Far North. You travel on a top of the range, purpose built off road bus, equipped with lots of leg room, air conditioning and a sloping floor designed to give everyone the best possible view. The tour eliminates all the stress of driving yourself and potential disaster of getting your car or van stuck on 90 mile beach. Just sit back, relax and take in the wonderful views whilst the driver immerses you in the culture and history of the area.

You will discover a gum digger’s park where an ancient kauri forest was buried thousands of years ago. Most people have never heard of a gum digger or a gum field so a visit is well worth the effort. The gum is formed when a Kauri Tree produces large amounts of sap to cover a wound and protect the inner timber. The industry flourished when European traders discovered the gum was a prized ingredient for high quality varnishes, which caused a massive demand.

Now old gum fields have been transformed into tourist attractions so you can tour the fields, learn the history of the industry and see how the gum digger’s used to live and work. You will also get the chance to take a look in the beautiful craft shop where you can buy Ancient Kauri wooden products and stunning pendants and jewellery.

The trip then moves on to 90 mile beach, the highway of the North. The name is a little misleading as the beach is actually 55 miles long, making it the longest beach in New Zealand. You will enjoy breathtaking views that go on forever, with white sand, gorgeous turquoise water and massive sand dunes that remind you of being in a dessert.

You will have time to stop off and experience the beach by dipping your feet in the sea, looking for mussels and of course the chance to capture the scenery on your camera. On the exit of 90 Mile Beach the bus stops at Te Paki stream where you have the opportunity to climb massive sand dunes and toboggan back down. This is great fun and probably an activity that most of you haven’t experienced and will probably never get the chance to do again.

Cape Reinga is the next stop. You have made it, the most northern point of New Zealand, congratulations. From here the views are truly amazing, so much so words cannot do it justice. Take a walk down to the light house, zone out, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the diverse scenery. You will be able to see the Pacific Ocean and Tasmin Sea clashing together.

This causes a tidal race, with massive waves exploding in an eruption of spray. The walk way meanders its way to the cliff edge so you can get a good view of the rocky coastline lined with tropical plants that are so green and lush. The colours of the sea are amazing, you can look back on 90 mile beach from where you have just come and see lots of little coves being attacked by the relentless sea. Be warned you won’t be able to put your camera away sure so make sure the full battery is full and the memory card is empty for this trip!

Finally the bus makes one last stop at the ‘world famous’ Mangonui Fish shop. You can choose from the freshest fish and chips, mussels, oysters, smoked fish, lovely bean mixes, pasta and cold slaws. It is all fresh, tasty and delicious. After an action packed day, there isn’t a better way to wind down than sitting out on their deck, immersed with ocean views, your dinner and a cold drink from the fully licensed bar.

On this trip you cover a lot of ground and really get to experience all of what the Far North has to offer. It is a long day, filled with action and the rewards of travelling and seeing beautiful landscape. Many backpackers visit the Bay of Islands each year but miss out on exploring further a field than Paihia’s local beach and bars. You definitely won’t regret a day trip with Dune Rider and will be glad that you experienced what the Bay of Islands and Far North has to offer.