Rules for Driving On the Tohe (Ninety Mile Beach)

Make sure you have a shovel with you - while you may not need it you would not want to be stuck without one.

If you see anyone in trouble - stop and get out and help - the next time that could be you.

Do not speed out there - it is far more dangerous than any road and while it may look tempting to speed, the locals who often use this as an alternative road don't so that should tell you something.

Do not drive too close to the sand dunes - the sand is soft here and you will get stuck.  ***

Do not drive in the water - there are waves known as sweeps that can rush in and literally sweep you away - sometimes you may be able to see the roof of a car buried in the sand.   ***

Drive about half way between the soft sand and the water mark - follow in others tyre tracks is always a good idea as you will be able to tell from their tyre tracks if they have hit soft sand - the tracks get deeper.   ***

Sometimes there will be "speed humps" or "speed hollows" in the sand - take these at an angle as taking them straight on can cause the front axle to snap.

Sometimes there is bad corrogation in the sand, travel over this slowly.

Always take streams on an angle - and make sure the angle is towards the dunes and not the sea - you don't want to find yourself caught in a sweep.

Keep an eye out for the wild life - often you can see penguins and other sea birds as well as sometimes sting rays and the occasional whale or shark stranded. If these creatures are still alive, help them back into the sea, or if you are hungry, kill them and eat them - fresh shark is absolutely AMAZING!

There are no lanes painted out there so you can pass oncoming traffic on either side, but the rule of thumb is which ever side they are going to naturally pass on depending where they are drive, then let that be - do not change your mind at the last minute and try and get onto the other side

Give way to all vehicles bigger than yours.

Never make any sudden sharp turns as you can flip as the sand will create ridges and resistance. NOTE: if you are in a 4WD or SUV these can tip easier than a car - you have been warned.

There are many "off ramps" but only about 3 heading north for tourists, Te Paki Stream is the northern most one.

The locals use all of the others but they have the vehicles and know the terrain. You can keep an eye out for them - just look for where there are tyre tracks going straight up the dunes and disappearing.

*** These Rules Apply To Te Oneroa a Tohe - Ninety Mile Beach Only - different beaches different rules!