Ninety Mile Beach Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Ninety Mile Beach with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Ninety Mile Beach
- List of Places to Visit in Ninety Mile Beach
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Ninety Mile Beach
- Best Things to Do in Ninety Mile Beach: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Ninety Mile Beach
- Food and Drink Scene of Ninety Mile Beach
- Where to Stay in Ninety Mile Beach: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Ninety Mile Beach: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Ninety Mile Beach
- Best Time to Visit Ninety Mile Beach
- Do’s and Don’ts of Ninety Mile Beach
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Ninety Mile Beach: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Ninety Mile Beach
- Where to Go Next from Ninety Mile Beach: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Ninety Mile Beach
Ninety Mile Beach is a beautiful stretch of shoreline located in Far Far North, in Northland, in North Island, in New Zealand, in Oceania. Despite its name, the beach is actually only 55 miles long, making it one of the longest beaches in the world. It is a popular tourist destination, famous for its stunning natural beauty, adventurous activities, and cultural significance.
List of Places to Visit in Ninety Mile Beach
Ninety Mile Beach offers a wide range of attractions to visit, including culturally significant museums and historical sites, natural wonders, hiking and biking routes, and exciting activities and tours.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Ninety Mile Beach has a rich cultural history, and there are several museums and historical places that visitors can explore to learn more about the area’s heritage. Some of the most notable places to visit include:
- Te Ahu Museum and Cultural Centre
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- The Ancient Kauri Kingdom
- Kauri Museum
Natural Attractions of Ninety Mile Beach: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
There are several natural wonders to explore in Ninety Mile Beach, including unique sand dunes, stunning sunsets, and picturesque views. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities such as:
- Sand dune surfing
- Fishing
- Beachcombing
- Horse riding
Hiking/Biking Routes of Ninety Mile Beach
For those who enjoy hiking and biking, there are several trails to explore in Ninety Mile Beach. Some of the best routes include:
- Te Paki Coastal Track
- Kokota Track
- Ahipara-Tarangaia-Maunganui Bluff Track
Best Things to Do in Ninety Mile Beach: Activities and Tours
Ninety Mile Beach offers a wide range of exciting activities and tours that visitors can enjoy. Some of the best things to do include:
- Cape Reinga Day Tour
- Twilight Safari
- Hokianga Electric Tuk-Tuk Tours
- Kayaking Around the Mangrove Forests
Week-Long Itinerary for Ninety Mile Beach
For those who want to spend more time in Ninety Mile Beach, we’ve put together a week-long itinerary that will help visitors make the most of their trip. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Te Paki Nature Reserve and sand dunes |
| 2 | Explore Ahipara and enjoy horse riding on the beach |
| 3 | Go fishing off the coast or take a sunset cruise |
| 4 | Visit the Te Ahu Museum and Cultural Centre in Kaitaia |
| 5 | Hike the Kokota Track and enjoy scenic views |
| 6 | Take a Cape Reinga Tour and visit the lighthouse |
| 7 | Relax on the beach and enjoy local cuisine and wine tasting |
Food and Drink Scene of Ninety Mile Beach
Ninety Mile Beach has a thriving food and drink scene, with several local dishes and beverages that visitors should try. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages to sample:
Must-Try Dishes
- Seafood chowder
- Green-lipped mussels
- Kiwi-style fish and chips
- Hangi (traditional Maori feast)
Local Beverages
- Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region
- Pinot Noir from Central Otago
- Monteith’s beer
Where to Stay in Ninety Mile Beach: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Ninety Mile Beach offers a range of accommodations for visitors, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay:
- Ahipara Bay Motel
- Endless Summer Lodge
- Reef Lodge Backpackers
- The Kauri Nest Guesthouse
What to Buy in Ninety Mile Beach: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Visitors to Ninety Mile Beach can purchase a variety of souvenirs and local products to bring home. Some of the best items to buy include:
- Handmade jewelry and crafts
- Locally-sourced honey and jams
- Kauri wood carvings and sculptures
- Maori artwork
Local Culture and Customs of Ninety Mile Beach
Ninety Mile Beach is home to several cultural and historical landmarks that visitors should be aware of. Maori culture is an important part of the area’s heritage, and visitors should show respect by:
- Asking permission before taking photographs of Maori people, artwork or cultural events
- Removing their shoes when entering a Maori Marae or meeting house
- Following cultural customs as advised by the local guides or hosts
Best Time to Visit Ninety Mile Beach
The best time to visit Ninety Mile Beach is between December and March when the weather is warmer, and outdoor activities and tours are available. However, visitors should be aware that this is peak tourist season, and prices may be higher.
Do’s and Don’ts of Ninety Mile Beach
To ensure an enjoyable trip to Ninety Mile Beach, visitors should follow these do’s and don’ts:
Do:
- Respect Maori culture and customs
- Take proper safety precautions when engaging in outdoor activities
- Enjoy the pristine natural beauty of the beach
Don’t:
- Litter or damage the environment
- Drive on the beach without a permit or in areas where cars are not allowed
- Disturb the wildlife
Safety and Health
Visitors to Ninety Mile Beach should be aware of safety and health concerns when planning their trip.
Safety in Ninety Mile Beach
- Always follow safety instructions when participating in outdoor activities
- Wear proper sun protection and hydration when spending time outdoors
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially during the winter months
Health in Ninety Mile Beach
- Visitors should take precautions against sunstroke, sunburn, and dehydration.
- The area has a high UV rating, so visitors should wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
Getting to Ninety Mile Beach: Transportation Options and Logistics
Visitors to Ninety Mile Beach can travel by air, bus, or car.
Airports Near Ninety Mile Beach
The closest airports to Ninety Mile Beach are in Kaitaia and Whangarei. Visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle from the airport to their accommodations.
Bus Stations Near Ninety Mile Beach
Intercity and Naked Bus operate daily services to Northland and Far North, with stops in Kaitaia and Awanui.
Other Options
Visitors can travel to Ninety Mile Beach from Auckland via rental car, shuttle service or organized tour. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
How to Get Around in Ninety Mile Beach
The best way to get around Ninety Mile Beach is by car, although visitors should be aware that some areas are only accessible via foot or quad bike.
Where to Go Next from Ninety Mile Beach: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Visitors to Ninety Mile Beach can explore nearby destinations such as Cape Reinga, the Bay of Islands, and Kerikeri, or take a day trip to the Hokianga Harbor and Waipoua Forest.
Conclusion
Ninety Mile Beach is a beautiful and culturally rich destination that offers something for everyone, from outdoor activities to cultural landmarks and delicious local cuisine. With proper planning and consideration, visitors can enjoy an unforgettable trip to this stunning part of New Zealand.
