Unsealed Roads and Ninety Mile Beach: What Campervan Drivers Should Know

Quick summary: Northland’s main roads are sealed, but campervan and motorhome drivers will come across gravel side roads, steep descents to beaches, and the famous Ninety Mile Beach, which is officially a highway. Rental agreements commonly exclude beach driving, and many also exclude some unsealed roads, so it pays to check your terms before you plan your route. The good news is that you can still see all of Northland’s highlights, using tours for the beach and sealed roads for the rest.

At a glance
Main roads	State Highways 1, 10, 11, 12 and 16 are sealed
Ninety Mile Beach	Commonly excluded from rental agreements
Ripiro Beach	Commonly excluded from rental agreements
Unsealed roads	Common on back roads; some may be excluded, so check your terms
Cape Reinga	Sealed all the way to the car park
Best way to see the beach	A Cape Reinga coach tour

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Can you drive a rental campervan on Ninety Mile Beach?

Generally not. Although Ninety Mile Beach is legally a road, rental agreements commonly exclude driving on beaches, and for good reason. Vehicles travel on sand in the tidal zone, enter and leave through streams and soft sand, and can easily get stuck. A heavy campervan caught by the incoming tide can be lost entirely, and insurance usually won’t cover damage in an excluded area. The same applies to Ripiro Beach on the west coast near Dargaville.

How can you experience Ninety Mile Beach instead?

• Take a coach tour. Cape Reinga tours from Paihia and Kaitāia drive the beach in purpose-built vehicles, often with a stop to sandboard on the Te Paki dunes.
• Walk onto the beach from access points such as Ahipara and Waipapakauri, near Kaitāia.
• Drive to Cape Reinga by road. State Highway 1 runs on a sealed surface parallel to the beach, right up to the cape. See Kaitāia to Cape Reinga.

Which unsealed roads might you come across in Northland?

Northland’s main tourist routes are sealed, but you may meet gravel roads on:

• Back roads in the Hokianga, including some of the routes towards the Kohukohu ferry.
• Side roads to remote beaches and campsites in the far north, such as the road to Spirits Bay.
• Peninsula and harbour routes, such as the Pouto Peninsula at the entrance to the Kaipara Harbour.
• Forestry and farm roads, which are best avoided in a campervan.

Are steep beach access roads a problem for an RV?

They can be. Some roads down to beaches and campsites, such as the final descent to Maitai Bay, are sealed but steep and winding. Take them slowly in a low gear on the way down, and expect a slow climb back up. Avoid parking on sand or soft grass verges, where heavy vehicles easily get stuck. If a road looks too narrow or steep, find another place to turn around.

What should you check in your rental terms?

Every rental company sets its own terms, so look for:

• Excluded roads and areas, which may include beaches and specific unsealed roads.
• Whether unsealed roads are allowed at all, and on what conditions.
• What happens to your insurance if you drive on an excluded road.

None of this should put you off; it simply helps you plan. Our sister site covers this nationally, with a list of roads worth checking against your hire terms and a guide to insurance and excess.

How do you drive safely on gravel?

If your terms allow a gravel road and you need to use it:

• Slow down, especially on corners, where gravel builds up.
• Keep left and watch for oncoming vehicles throwing up stones and dust.
• Avoid sudden braking and steering.
• Allow extra time, as gravel roads take much longer to drive than sealed ones.

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Frequently Asked Questions