Te Paki
Located on the Aupouri Peninsula, Te Paki is the northernmost region in New Zealand and hosts one of the nation’s most diverse ecosystems. It’s home to rare–and endangered–flora and fauna, such as the giant flax snail and Bartlett’s rata tree.
Ranging from coastal dunes to tall forest, through both wetlands and shrublands, Te Paki is home to a surprising variety of ways to get in some outdoor fun. The east coast of the peninsula is sheltered, with sandy beaches and rocky headlands that provide great places to scuba dive, snorkel and fish. The west coast is more exposed and home to the golden sand dunes of 90 Mile Beach. Along this stretch of coastline, it’s not only possible to catch waves from a number of classic surf breaks but also to carve up the steep dunes on a sandboard. Prior snowboarding experience is recommended, but sand tobogganing and body boarding are great options for beginners.
The three-day, 30-mile (48-km) Te Paki Coastal Track hike takes in the entire coastline from Spirits Bay to Te Paki Stream, where it joins the 90 Mile Beach. Several shorter hikes, including the Pandora Track and Rarawa Beach Walk, are available for visitors not keen on spending multiple days on the trail.
Practical Info
Te Paki is the northernmost area of New Zealand, on the Aupouri Peninsula. It is 250 miles (400 km) north of Auckland. Hikers often make use of the drop off/pickup services available from the Waitiki Landing Complex rather than taking their own vehicle onto the cape.
