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Te Paki Sand Dunes by Michal Klajban –

Top 10 Outstanding Facts about Te Paki Sand Dunes

Te Paki Sand Dunes also called the Giant Sand Dunes are a collection of dunes located on the far north of the North Island of New Zealand called the Northern Peninsula. The dunes stretch the Ninety Mile Beach also known as 鈥淭e-Onera-a-Tohe鈥� for about 88 kilometers long.

The dunes are a popular spot for sandboarding. Sandboarding is an extreme sport that is closely similar to the more popular snowboarding. This sport however involves riding across or down a dune while standing on a board either with both feet strapped in or loose without bindings. The Te Paki Sand Dunes are famously known for this daring sport. There is a list of fascinating facts you might want to know about the sand dunes besides the popular sport.

1.The Naming of Te Paki Came During the Fleeing of The Maori People

Maori Welcome by Ciell –

Long before the colonial occupation of what is now modern New Zealand, the Maori people were the native occupants of the Aupori peninsula. The far north of the peninsula is known as 鈥淭e Hiku o Te Ika鈥� which translates to “tail of the fish”, this place was a place of deep spiritual and traditional significance to the Maori people.

The name Te Paki came during the fleeing of Maori people, after warfare between them and the settlers escalated, stopping near a local stream and being trapped by flooding during a storm until the storm cleared and they were able to cross. Hence the name Te Paki means 鈥渢he clearing of the storm鈥�.

2.Te Paki Was Once Its Own Island

Te Paki Sand Dunes by Bernard Sprugg –

Te Paki was once its own island disconnected from the mainland. Over millions of years, sand built up from the volcanic activity elsewhere in New Zealand leading to the formation of the dunes. Te Paki is home to many native birds, lizards, and fish life along with loads of native trees. They make for a remarkable site

3.Sandboarding is the Most Popular Activity on The Dunes

Sand Surfing by Bernard Sprugg –

The giant ever-changing and evolving dunes in New Zealand are the perfect place for sand boarding also known as sand surfing. This is typically a thrill seekers sport that involves strapping oneself to a sandboard. It can be practiced while sitting, standing, lying on the belly, or the back. It is also possible to use sleds, surfboards, skateboards, or snowboards. Whichever you choose, the thrill to surf down the tall dunes is one of the most popular sports that attract tourists to the Te Paki dunes. 

4.The Sand Dunes Formed When Sand Deposit On Top of Each Other 

Sand dunes are created when wind deposits sand on top of each other until a small mound starts to form. Once that mound forms, sand begins to pile up on the windward side more and more until the edge of the dune collapses under its own weight. This is how the Te Paki sand dunes were formed, although in this case, the sand came from the build up sand due to volcanic activities.

5.The Te Paki Sand Dunes Go As High As 490 Feet

Te Paki Sand Dunes by Oren Rozen –

The Te Paki sand dunes average to an outstanding height of 490 feet for some individual dunes. Covering an area approximately 6.2 miles long along the coastline of the Ninety Mile Beach Club that covers 55 miles, the dunes are some of the highest in the world and perfect for sand surfing.

6.Borders Cape Reinga

The Te Paki Sand dunes are made up of fine sand which is carried by a westerly wind from the Tasman Sea. The dunes have a unique ecosystem as they are bordered by the coastline on three sides. On one of those sides, the sand dunes are surrounded by Cape Reinga which is the most accessible recreational beach. 

The Cape is where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Some of the areas are farmed with the balance being dune lands, wetlands, rocky coastlines, and hills covered in shrublands with remnants pockets of forest. 

7.Dogs Are Not Allowed at The Sand Dunes

Yes! Unfortunately for all pet lovers out there who enjoy having their pets on their adventures, sadly dogs are not allowed on the surfboards at Te Paki dunes. This is partly due to the hot climate, the sand, and generally the technique needed to sand surf on the dunes that dogs lack.

8.Climate Around the Dunes

The North Land climate consists of moderate warm humid summers, mildly wet winters, and prevailing southwest winds. Rainfall varies from 992mm at the Cape Reinga to 1440mm at the Te Paki dunes with higher rainfall at the hillier locations. The wettest seasons are during winter times and the driest months are January and March. The most rain falls in august.

9.Geology of The Te Paki Sand Dunes

15 million years ago, a chain of volcanoes appeared off the west coast giving rise to thick basalt flows. Widespread erosion and local faulting and tilting followed by the conclusion of active volcano eruption led to the dunes being formed. In the last few million years, extensive coastal dunes fields were formed due to alternating glacial and warm periods.

The soils in the dunes are unique due to the diverse complexity of the underlying rocks and the influence climate and vegetation have had on the soil formation, which has deeply weathered parent rocks.

10.Flora and Fauna Around the Te Paki Sand Dunes.

The main sites of habitats of wildlife are three. These are the pockets of forest, fire-induced shrublands, and two large freshwater wetlands. They contain rare plants that have biological importance to the area.