🏖️ SUMMER 2025/2026 GUIDE
Beach Driving NZ — Complete Guide to Safe Sand Access
The definitive guide to New Zealand's driveable beaches for summer 2025/2026. Covers Ninety Mile Beach, Ripiro Beach (107km—NZ's longest), Oreti Beach, and more. Learn correct tyre pressure (18-22 PSI), tide timing, permit requirements, fines up to $500, trailer rules, and why rental cars are never covered.
64,500
Vehicles/Year (Muriwai)
18-22
PSI for Sand
107km
Ripiro Beach Length
$500+
Max Fine (RMA)
⚠️ Critical Updates for Summer 2025/2026
⚠️ Muriwai Beach Summer Closure
Muriwai Beach is CLOSED to all vehicles from December 31, 2025 to January 12, 2026. This is the fourth consecutive summer closure. Physical barriers will be installed. Driving during closure may result in prosecution. Auckland Council is also considering future access control gates and paid permits (proposed $200/year).
🚗 Rental Car Warning — Zero Coverage
Virtually ALL New Zealand rental car companies specifically exclude beach driving from insurance coverage. This includes Omega, GO Rentals, Ezi Car Rental, and most others. Driving on beaches voids your rental agreement completely—you're personally liable for all damage and recovery costs ($150-$1,500+).
📍 New Vehicle Exclusion Zones
Northland Regional Council has introduced new vehicle exclusion zones on multiple beaches to protect ecological areas and threatened species. Fines of up to $500 under the RMA apply. Check the latest restricted areas before driving.
🛞 BEACH-READY TYRES
Get the Right Tyres Before You Hit the Sand
All-terrain tyres are ideal for beach driving—they provide the flotation you need when aired down, while maintaining highway capability. Our range includes options from budget-friendly Anchee to premium Predator tyres.
🏔️
All-Terrain Tyres
50/50 road/off-road capability. Best choice for beach driving + daily use.
🌲
Mud-Terrain Tyres
Maximum off-road traction. Self-cleaning tread for sand and mud.
🚙
4WD Tyres
Complete 4WD range from highway to extreme off-road.
Off-Road Ready: Ford Raptor fitted with Predator New Mutant X-AT tyres—designed for mixed terrain from desert flats to beach sand.
📑 WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE
🔧 The #1 Rule: Correct Tyre Pressure for Sand
Incorrect tyre pressure is the primary cause of getting stuck on sand. The physics is straightforward: deflating your tyres increases the contact patch, distributing vehicle weight over more surface area to "float" rather than dig in. Our braking distance calculator uses real physics data showing sand has a friction coefficient of just 0.30—compared to 0.80+ on dry asphalt. This dramatically affects both traction and stopping distance.
| Condition | Recommended PSI | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Highway (Normal) | 32-38 PSI | Standard placard pressure for fuel economy and handling |
| Beach / Firm Sand | 18-22 PSI | Maximum footprint prevents digging—ideal for most beach driving |
| Soft / Deep Sand | 15-18 PSI | Extreme flotation for very soft conditions (drive slowly) |
| With Trailer/Boat | 20-25 PSI | Slightly higher to support additional load |
📊 PSI by Vehicle Type & Weight
Heavier vehicles need more pressure to support weight and prevent rim strikes. The key principle: reduce by 40-50% from your normal placard pressure rather than targeting an absolute number. A Suzuki Swift and a Ford Ranger should NOT run the same PSI on sand.
| Vehicle Type | Popular NZ Models | Weight (kg) | Normal PSI | Firm Sand | Soft Sand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Hatch / Sedan | Suzuki Swift, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Toyota Yaris, Honda Civic | 1,100–1,400 | 32-36 | 15-18 PSI | 12-15 PSI |
| Compact SUV | Mitsubishi ASX, Kia Seltos, Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Kona | 1,400–1,600 | 32-36 | 15-18 PSI | 12-15 PSI |
| Medium SUV | Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage | 1,600–1,900 | 33-38 | 16-20 PSI | 14-16 PSI |
| Large SUV | Toyota Prado, Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuner | 2,000–2,400 | 36-42 | 18-22 PSI | 15-18 PSI |
| Ute / Pickup | Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, Mazda BT-50, Isuzu D-Max | 2,000–2,500 | 38-44 | 20-25 PSI | 16-20 PSI |
| Full-Size 4x4 | Toyota LandCruiser 300, Nissan Patrol, VW Amarok V6, Ford Ranger Raptor, Ram 1500 | 2,500–3,200 | 40-50 | 22-28 PSI | 18-22 PSI |
| Heavy 4x4 + Trailer | Any of above towing boat/caravan | 3,000–4,500 | 44-50 | 25-32 PSI | 22-26 PSI |
🔍 NZ's Most Popular Beach Vehicles
Based on 2024 NZ sales data, the Ford Ranger (11,748 sales), Toyota RAV4 (10,533), and Toyota Hilux (7,296) are the three most common vehicles you'll see on NZ beaches. The Ranger has been NZ's #1 selling vehicle for 10 consecutive years.
Based on 2024 NZ sales data, the Ford Ranger (11,748 sales), Toyota RAV4 (10,533), and Toyota Hilux (7,296) are the three most common vehicles you'll see on NZ beaches. The Ranger has been NZ's #1 selling vehicle for 10 consecutive years.
💡 Quick Formula
Firm sand: Normal PSI × 0.55 (reduce by ~45%)
Soft sand: Normal PSI × 0.45 (reduce by ~55%)
Example: Ranger at 44 PSI → Firm sand: 44 × 0.55 = 24 PSI
Soft sand: Normal PSI × 0.45 (reduce by ~55%)
Example: Ranger at 44 PSI → Firm sand: 44 × 0.55 = 24 PSI
⚠️ Why Vehicle Weight Matters
⚖️
Too Low = Rim Damage
Heavy vehicles at very low PSI risk the rim cutting through the tyre sidewall, especially on rocks or hard-packed sections.
🔥
Too Low = Heat Buildup
Excessive sidewall flex generates heat. Heavier vehicles generate more heat at the same PSI due to greater load.
📏
Larger Tyres Help
Bigger tyres (e.g., 285/70R17 on a Ranger vs 225/65R17 on a RAV4) have more sidewall to absorb the same load.
⚠️ CRITICAL: Re-Inflate Before Highway Driving
Low pressure is for low-speed off-road use only (under 40 km/h). Driving at highway speeds on deflated tyres causes extreme heat buildup, sidewall damage, and blowout risk. Always carry a portable 12V compressor—this is non-negotiable equipment for beach driving.
📍 Complete NZ Beach Driving Directory (2025/2026)
New Zealand has approximately 15 beaches that permit vehicle access, though regulations vary significantly. The North Island offers far more options than the South Island. Here's everything you need to know about each major beach.
🏆 The Big Three: Most Popular Driveable Beaches
🏖️
Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe (Ninety Mile Beach)
88km • Official State Highway
New Zealand's most famous driveable beach. Entry via Waipapakauri Ramp (GPS: -35.040, 173.168). Drive within 2-3 hours of low tide. 100km/h limit applies but conditions rarely permit this. The beach is "inherently dangerous" according to a 2020 coroner's report following a fatal rollover.
New Zealand's most famous driveable beach. Entry via Waipapakauri Ramp (GPS: -35.040, 173.168). Drive within 2-3 hours of low tide. 100km/h limit applies but conditions rarely permit this. The beach is "inherently dangerous" according to a 2020 coroner's report following a fatal rollover.
🏖️
Ripiro Beach (Kaipara Coast)
107km • NZ's Longest Beach
Actually longer than "Ninety Mile Beach." Access via Baylys Beach, Glinks Gully, Omamari, Aranga, or Pouto Point. Note: Mahuta Gap is currently closed due to storm damage. 30km/h speed limits apply near all entrance points. A 2021 survey found nearly half of users observed reckless driving.
Actually longer than "Ninety Mile Beach." Access via Baylys Beach, Glinks Gully, Omamari, Aranga, or Pouto Point. Note: Mahuta Gap is currently closed due to storm damage. 30km/h speed limits apply near all entrance points. A 2021 survey found nearly half of users observed reckless driving.
🏖️
Oreti Beach (Southland)
26km • South Island's Primary Option
Just 10km from Invercargill. Famous as Burt Munro's speed record testing ground (136mph in 1975, immortalised in "The World's Fastest Indian"). Popular for mountain biking, horse riding, and beach driving. Strict speed limits apply. Council can close beach for storm damage.
Just 10km from Invercargill. Famous as Burt Munro's speed record testing ground (136mph in 1975, immortalised in "The World's Fastest Indian"). Popular for mountain biking, horse riding, and beach driving. Strict speed limits apply. Council can close beach for storm damage.
📋 Auckland Region (Permit Required)
Auckland Council requires free annual permits for beach driving. Permits must be renewed each year and are issued per vehicle. Violation of permit conditions results in cancellation and a 1-year ban from reapplying.
| Beach | Access | Speed Limits | 2025/2026 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muriwai Beach | Coast Rd, Wilson Rd, Rimmer Rd | 30km/h near access, 60km/h beyond | ✗ CLOSED Dec 31 – Jan 12 |
| Karioitahi Beach | Karioitahi Road | 20km/h near access, 60km/h beyond | ✓ Open (permit required) |
Muriwai Statistics: An estimated 64,500 vehicles drove on Muriwai Beach in 2021, with some busy 24-hour periods seeing over 1,400 vehicles. Auckland Council is considering installing access control gates and implementing a $200/year fee for permits.
🗺️ Northland (Various Access Points)
| Beach | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tokerau Beach | Karikari Peninsula | Under review—may be restricted |
| Tauranga Bay | Far North | Possible future prohibition |
| Rangiputa | Karikari Peninsula | Under community consultation |
| Waimamaku | Hokianga area | Possible future prohibition |
🚫 Prohibited Areas
- All Coromandel beaches — Whangamatā, Whiritoa, Opoutere prohibit vehicle access
- Farewell Spit — Ramsar wetland, guided tours only (no private vehicles)
- Most Canterbury beaches — Boat launching only at designated points
- Bay of Plenty beaches — Limited to emergency services and boat launching
- Vehicle exclusion zones — New protected areas on multiple Northland beaches (pipi/cockle beds, bird nesting sites, seagrass, saltmarsh)
🌊 Understanding Tides: The Golden Rule
Tides determine whether beach driving is possible and safe. Getting this wrong can result in your vehicle being inundated—in January 2020, five vehicles including a near-new Holden Commodore were trapped on Ninety Mile Beach by an extra-high tide, with at least one partially submerged.
Drive within 2-3 hours either side of low tide. Be off the beach 2 hours before high tide.
— The Golden Rule of Beach Driving
⏰
Best Entry Time
Enter approximately 4 hours after high tide as the water recedes, exposing firm wet sand for driving.
📊
NZ Tidal Ranges
West coast: 3.5+ metres. East coast: ~2 metres. West coast beaches change dramatically between tides.
⚠️
King Tides 2025/2026
Higher-than-normal tides reduce driveable beach width. Check NIWA forecasts and avoid beach driving during king tide periods.
🎯 Practical Tide Guidelines
- Check tides before leaving home — Use MetService or tide apps
- Plan your exit route — Know where you'll leave the beach before you enter
- Locals recommend (Baylys Beach): All vehicles off the beach 2 hours either side of high tide
- Drive on the wet sand — The third of the beach nearest to the water is firmest
- Watch for incoming tide — It can move faster than you expect on flat beaches
💰 Fines, Penalties & Legal Requirements
Beaches are legally classified as public roads in New Zealand, which means all standard road rules apply—plus additional beach-specific regulations. Ignorance is not a defence.
📋 Standard Road Rules Apply
Because beaches are legal roads, the following requirements apply:
- Valid driver licence required
- Vehicle must be registered with current registration
- Current WOF (Warrant of Fitness) required
- Seatbelts must be worn by all occupants
- Speed limits apply — typically 30km/h near access points, up to 100km/h on Ninety Mile Beach
- No drink driving — same alcohol limits as any road
💸 Potential Fines and Penalties
| Violation | Penalty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental damage (RMA) | Up to $500 | Driving in exclusion zones, damaging dunes, disturbing wildlife |
| Speeding | $30–$630+ + demerit points | Standard speeding fines apply; 40km/h+ over = licence suspension |
| Permit violation (Auckland) | Permit cancellation | Banned from reapplying for 1 year |
| Driving during closure | Prosecution possible | E.g., Muriwai summer closure periods |
| Careless/dangerous driving | Court fines + disqualification | Applies to reckless beach driving behaviour |
⚠️ Report Unsafe Driving
To report dangerous driving on beaches, call *555 (Police non-emergency). Note the time, location, and vehicle details. For environmental violations, call the Northland Environmental Hotline: 0800 504 639.
🚤 Towing Trailers on Beaches: What You Need to Know
Many beach visitors tow boat trailers to launch from the shore. While permitted, towing on sand presents unique challenges that require careful consideration.
⚙️ The Physics Challenge
Sand has a friction coefficient of approximately 0.30—compared to 0.80+ on dry asphalt. This means:
- Braking distances increase dramatically on sand
- Trailer brakes are less effective (if equipped)
- Combined weight makes getting stuck more likely
- Extraction is significantly more difficult if bogged
💡 Trailer Physics Tip
Our Braking Distance Calculator includes trailer physics modelling. When brakes can't overcome conditions (like steep angles on soft surfaces), the calculator uses rolling resistance formulas to determine actual stopping behaviour.
📋 NZ Trailer Legal Requirements (Also Apply on Beaches)
| Trailer Weight | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Up to 750kg unbraked | No brakes required; safety chains recommended |
| 750kg–2000kg | Brakes optional; WOF required if over 750kg |
| 2000kg–2500kg | Service brakes required + safety chains (crossed) |
| 2500kg–3500kg | Direct service brakes + breakaway brakes required; NO safety chains (they prevent breakaway system working) |
🎯 Trailer Tips for Beach Driving
- Use 4WD — 2WD vehicles often lack grip to pull trailers from water on boat ramps and beaches
- Deflate tow vehicle tyres — But maintain slightly higher pressure (20-25 PSI) to support trailer tongue weight
- Don't stop on soft sand — Momentum is critical when towing
- Launch at proper ramps where possible — Beach launching increases risk significantly
- Check trailer WOF and registration — Required on all legal roads including beaches
4WD Essential: While not legally required on all beaches, 4WD capability dramatically increases your chances of success—especially at beach access points where sand is often softest.
🚙 Vehicle Preparation & Requirements
Minimum Requirements
- At least 180mm ground clearance
- 4WD capability (strongly recommended—not legally required but dramatically increases success rate)
- Valid licence, current registration, WOF
- Seatbelts worn (beaches are legal roads)
- Permit (required for Muriwai and Karioitahi beaches)
Sand Driving Settings
| Setting | Configuration |
|---|---|
| 4WD Mode | High Range for firm sand / Low Range for soft sand |
| Centre Diff | Lock if available |
| Traction Control | DISABLE — can cause bogging by cutting power when wheels spin |
| Speed | Never above 35-40 km/h on deflated tyres; observe beach speed limits |
Essential Recovery Gear Checklist
Tyre Pressure Gauge
Accurate gauge to check PSI before and after deflating
12V Portable Compressor
Essential—you cannot drive home on deflated tyres
Shovel
Long-handled shovel for digging out around tyres
Recovery Boards (MaxTrax/similar)
Place under drive wheels to provide traction
Snatch Strap + Rated Shackles
For vehicle-to-vehicle recovery (never use tow ropes)
🆘 What to Do When You Get Stuck
Getting stuck on a beach is common—even experienced drivers get caught out. What matters is how you respond. The wrong reaction (wheel spin) makes everything worse.
Most Common Causes of Getting Stuck
- Incorrect tyre pressure — #1 cause by far
- Driving in soft sand near dunes — Avoid the dry sand zone
- Stopping in soft sections — Momentum is your friend
- Misjudging tide timing — Getting trapped by incoming tide
- Using 2WD vehicles — Limited traction in sand
⛔ STOP IMMEDIATELY — DO NOT SPIN WHEELS
Wheel spin digs vehicles deeper and makes recovery exponentially harder. The moment you feel loss of traction, stop accelerating immediately.
Self-Recovery Steps
Deflate Further
Go down to 12-15 PSI for maximum flotation
Clear Sand
Dig sand away from around all four tyres
Try Reversing
Back out slowly on your existing tracks (they're compacted)
Use Recovery Boards
Place MaxTrax under drive wheels; drive forward slowly
💰 Recovery Costs
🚙
Basic Recovery
$150–$300
Simple extraction near access point
Simple extraction near access point
🏖️
Remote Location
$500–$800
Further from access, soft conditions
Further from access, soft conditions
⚠️
Complex/Tide Risk
$800–$1,500+
Winch required, time pressure from tide
Winch required, time pressure from tide
⚠️ AA Roadservice Does NOT Cover Beaches
AA explicitly excludes beaches from their coverage. If you get stuck, you'll need to arrange private recovery—which is why carrying proper recovery gear is essential.
🇺🇸 USA ENGINEERED
Predator New Mutant Tyres: Built for Mixed Terrain
Our exclusive Predator tyres are designed for mixed terrain performance. The aggressive tread patterns provide excellent flotation when aired down for beach driving, while maintaining highway manners at normal pressure.
Predator X-AT: All-Terrain for 50/50 road/off-road use
Aggressive Tread: "New Mutant" sidewall design
💵 Budget-Friendly Option: Anchee All-Terrain
Not everyone needs premium tyres. Our Anchee range offers solid off-road capability at a fraction of premium prices—ideal for occasional beach driving combined with daily road use.
Anchee AC858: DOT-certified All-Terrain at budget-friendly prices.
🚗 The Rental Car Problem: Why You're Never Covered
Despite beaches being legally classified as roads, virtually all rental companies exclude them from insurance coverage.
🚫
Omega Rental Cars
"Insurance is void when operated on any beach, including Ninety Mile Beach."
🚫
GO Rentals
Explicitly excludes "Ninety Mile Beach, Te Paki Stream Bed" from coverage.
🚫
Ezi Car Rental
Prohibits "off-road driving on beaches or off public roads."
What this means: If you damage a rental vehicle on a beach—even if the beach is technically a public road—you're personally liable for all damage, recovery costs, and loss of use. This can easily exceed $10,000+ for a modern vehicle.
🧼 Post-Beach Vehicle Care
Saltwater corrosion begins immediately. Taking care of your vehicle after beach driving protects your investment.
Essential Cleaning (Within 24 Hours)
- Thoroughly wash entire vehicle with fresh water—including roof
- Focus on undercarriage, wheel wells, and suspension components
- Check brakes for salt and sand residue—test braking before highway driving
- Rinse engine bay carefully (avoid electrical components)
- Check tyre pressure—confirm you've re-inflated correctly
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe (Ninety Mile Beach) is officially a public highway. 4WD is strongly recommended though not legally required. Enter via Waipapakauri Ramp. Drive only within 2-3 hours of low tide and deflate tyres to 18-22 PSI. The 100km/h speed limit technically applies but conditions rarely permit this. A 2020 coroner's report described the beach as "inherently dangerous" following a fatal rollover.
18-22 PSI for most beach sand. 15-18 PSI for soft sand conditions. If towing a trailer, maintain slightly higher pressure (20-25 PSI) to support the additional tongue weight. Always re-inflate to 32-38 PSI before highway driving—this is critical for safety.
Environmental violations (driving in exclusion zones, damaging dunes, disturbing wildlife) can result in fines of up to $500 under the RMA. Standard speeding fines also apply ($30-$630+ depending on speed). For Auckland permit holders, violating permit conditions results in cancellation and a 1-year ban from reapplying. Driving during closures (e.g., Muriwai summer closure) may result in prosecution.
Yes, but trailers significantly increase difficulty on sand. Sand friction is only 0.30 (compared to 0.80+ on asphalt), which means braking is dramatically less effective. All normal trailer regulations apply—WOF required for trailers over 750kg, brakes required over 2000kg, breakaway brakes required over 2500kg. 4WD is essentially mandatory when towing on sand.
Yes—a free annual permit from Auckland Council is required for both Muriwai and Karioitahi beaches. Apply online at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Important: Muriwai is CLOSED to all vehicles from December 31, 2025 to January 12, 2026 (peak summer closure). Auckland Council is considering introducing a $200/year fee and access control gates in future.
No—virtually all major rental companies (Omega, GO Rentals, Ezi, and others) specifically exclude beaches from insurance coverage, including "legal" beaches like Ninety Mile Beach. If you drive a rental on a beach and something goes wrong, you're personally liable for all damage, recovery costs, and loss of use—potentially $10,000+.
No. AA explicitly excludes beaches from coverage. If you get stuck, you'll need to arrange private recovery, which costs $150-$1,500+ depending on location and complexity. This is why carrying proper recovery gear (shovel, MaxTrax, snatch strap) is essential.
Ripiro Beach at 107km is actually longer than the more famous "Ninety Mile Beach" (which is 88km). Ripiro Beach runs along the Kaipara Coast with access via Baylys Beach, Glinks Gully, Omamari, Aranga, and Pouto Point. Note that Mahuta Gap access is currently closed due to storm damage. 30km/h speed limits apply near all entrances.
🛒 Get Beach-Ready Tyres Today
Browse our complete range of tyres suitable for mixed on-road and off-road use, including beach driving. Free shipping on orders over $500.
🏔️
All-Terrain Tyres
Best for 50/50 road/off-road use
🌲
Mud-Terrain Tyres
Maximum off-road traction
🚙
4WD Tyres
Complete 4WD range
