MOTORIST GUIDE TO 90 MILE BEACH

MOTORIST GUIDE TO 90 MILE BEACH
AND TE PAKI STREAM

TE PAKI STREAM

Te Paki stream can at times provide quite treacherous driving conditions. It is caused by the inter-action of the sand and water.
If you intend to drive the stream it is important to note the following:

You enter the stream at your own risk.
Engage low gear to avoid stalling.
Do not stop in the stream.
Do not speed in the stream.
Drive mainly in the centre of the stream bed.

Wet weather and seasonal conditions can cause a rapid deterioration in the stream and beach conditions.

If after reading the above you feel you would rather not take your car down the stream and you have the time, it is still worth while to walk the 3km to 90 Mile Beach.

NINETY MILE BEACH

Are you driving a rental car? If so check your rental contract - most companies do not insure on the beach.
Check the tide timetable. Travel the beach 3 hours after the high tide.
Do you have enough petrol?
Slow down and engage a lower gear for streams flowing across the beach.
Either follow the buses or the tracks created by the buses.
It is not advisable to leave a vehicle unattended on the beach.
Avoid the beach at night.

If you are unfortunate enough to get stuck, here are some things that you can do to help yourself.

In loose dry sand, try reversing out in the tracks made going in and then look for a new route around problem area.
If unable to reverse out, remove the piled up sand from in front of the wheels and try to drive fowards.
Sand with a layer of water is very hazardous and usually requires assistance.

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TE PAKI STREAM

7Okm North of Waipapakaun' Ramp, this access is a sand based stream bed 3km in length located between sand dunes. Because of the treacherous nature of the stream and its bed, it is advisable to engage a low gear and NOT to STOP in the stream. The stream entry is sign posted.

THE BLUFF

5Okm North of Waipapakauri Ramp, this access is a private road. To be used onlv in cases of extreme emergency. A short section of loose dry sand could cause problems for two wheel drive vehicles.

HUKATERE HILL

2Okm North of Waipapakauri Ramp, Hukatere Hill access is identified by a dome shaped hill. It provides an easy access on and off the beach.

WAIPAPAKAURIR RAMP

Is used by private car and tour bus alike, and is safe all year round. It is about 20 km from Kaitaia and is the most reliable access to 90 Mile Beach.

AHIPARA

Approximately 17km South of the Waipapakauri Ramp these two access points can be quite unreliable and Four Wheel Drive is generally advised. The Northern access is a stretch of loose dry sand firming up during spring tides, while the Southern access consists of a rough rocky base.