Te Paki Sand Dunes, Northland

One of the highlights of our trip up North last year was sand boarding the Te Paki sand dunes.  Friends had told us it was pretty amazing, so we had thrown the kids boogy boards in the boot and promised to give it a try on the way back from a day trip to Cape Reinga.  Driving past the turn off to Ninety Mile Beach, we started to realise just how popular it was as quite a few enterprising individuals had set up shop by the side of the road hiring and selling boogy boards for that express purpose, so don’t worry if you don’t bring your own with you – in fact you can hire them from a caravan at the foot of the dunes.

The climb to the top is actually really hard going, but the ride on the way down is incredible!  Just remember to close your mouth and be prepared for the occasional splat – old clothes definitely recommended!  Even if you are not an adrenaline junky it's hilarious just watching, and the dunes themselves are fascinating, walk to the top and take a look around - it's like landing on Mars!