Cross the dunes of an ever-changing landscape at New Zealand’s largest sand spit.

The circuit begins at Triangle Flat car park and can be done in either direction. Head past the toilet and climb the stile into farmland. It’s important to stick to marked routes as there is quicksand present on the spit.

Walk along the beach for 4km to the second of two orange signs. From there the track takes you to Ocean Beach. Beyond this point the spit is closed to public access to protect the more than 90 species of birds that live there, including bar-tailed godwits, variable oystercatchers, Caspian terns and black swans.

Turn left at the second orange sign. Follow the track up the dune and descend into the first of four valleys. Here the path leads through forest, which provides a nice break from the sand. From the top of the next dune, enjoy an incredible view over the windswept sands and groups of cabbage trees. 

The final two valleys both contain tall grasses that make it difficult to find the path. A bit of hunting might be needed, especially within the first valley where the path skirts around a central marsh. 

Over the last dune is Ocean Beach. At low tide, only a speck of the ocean can be seen as the sand stretches off in every direction. Turn left and head along the beach towards the cliffs. These act as a great progress measure, as the sand can start to feel like it just keeps going and going. Along the way there are two more orange markers. The first shows where a shorter circuit track emerges, and the second marks the left turn onto Fossil Point Track to return to the car park.

It’s also possible to follow the beach a little further to see fossilised shells and worm casts on mudstone blocks at Fossil Point, before doubling back. 

The Fossil Point Track leads through coastal bush before entering farmland. To complete the loop, follow the series of stiles through working paddocks all the way back to the car park. 

The beaches are highly exposed. In strong winds it’s a good idea to wear long pants to avoid getting blasted by the sand.