Beach Driving NZ: Complete Guide to Tyre Pressure, Permits & 15 Driveable Beaches (2025/2026)
What PSI Should You Run on Sand? The Answer Depends on Your Vehicle
With summer here and beaches calling, we're getting the same question over and over: "What PSI should I run on sand?"
The short answer? It depends entirely on your vehicle.
A Suzuki Swift at 15 PSI behaves very differently to a Ford Ranger at 15 PSI. Heavier vehicles need more pressure to support weight and prevent rim damage. Run too low and you risk the rim cutting through your sidewall on hard-packed sections.
🏖️ NZ Beach Driving: Quick Stats
The Quick Reference: PSI by Vehicle Type
Here's the simplified version. For the full chart with 30+ NZ-specific models, check our complete beach driving guide.
| Vehicle Type | Examples | Firm Sand PSI |
|---|---|---|
| Small Hatch/Sedan | Swift, Corolla, Mazda3 | 15-18 PSI |
| Medium SUV | RAV4, CX-5, Outlander | 16-20 PSI |
| Ute / Pickup | Ranger, Hilux, Triton | 20-25 PSI |
| Full-Size 4x4 | LandCruiser, Patrol, Raptor | 22-28 PSI |
| With Trailer/Boat | Any of above | 25-32 PSI |
The simple formula: Take your normal placard pressure and reduce by 40-50%. A Ranger at 44 PSI becomes ~24 PSI on firm sand.
Muriwai Closed Dec 31 – Jan 12
Planning a New Year's beach trip? Note that Muriwai Beach closes to vehicles from December 31 to January 12 every summer due to high foot traffic.
Alternatives during closure:
- Ninety Mile Beach – 88km of driveable sand (2-3hrs from low tide)
- Ripiro Beach – NZ's longest at 107km, less crowded
- Oreti Beach – 26km near Invercargill, where Burt Munro set speed records
Our complete guide covers all 15 driveable beaches with access points, permit requirements, and restrictions.
5 Things That Get Kiwis Stuck
After years of selling tyres to beach-goers (and hearing the stories), here are the top mistakes:
- Not deflating enough – "I dropped to 30 PSI" isn't enough for most vehicles
- Stopping on soft sand – Momentum is everything; stop on firm wet sand only
- No recovery gear – Maxtrax or a shovel can save hours and hundreds of dollars
- Ignoring tide times – Vehicles get claimed by incoming tides every summer
- Wrong tyres – Highway tyres with shallow tread struggle; all-terrain gives more bite
Read the Full Beach Driving Guide
Vehicle PSI chart • 15 driveable beaches • Permit info • Fines • Recovery tips • Trailer rules
View Complete Guide →The Right Tyres Make a Difference
While any tyre can technically drive on sand with correct pressure, all-terrain tyres give you significantly more margin for error. The aggressive tread pattern provides better flotation and grip when you need to power through soft patches.
Our all-terrain range includes options from budget-friendly Anchee to premium Predator patterns, all designed for mixed on/off-road use.
If you're regularly hitting beaches with soft sand or doing recovery work, mud-terrain tyres offer even more aggressive tread – though they're noisier on the highway.
Not sure what fits your vehicle? Use our tyre size calculator or get a free quote.
