Only a few beaches in New Zealand allow vehicle traffic. For those that do, there are some important rules to follow for vehicle and public safety.
Most beaches in New Zealand don’t allow vehicle access but, for those that do, there are rules to ensure you’re driving safely.
As we move through the summer period, it’s likely a lot of us will be heading away for a beach holiday. It’s important to remember that many beaches in New Zealand don’t have vehicle access, so you’re not allowed to drive on them. Reasons range from pedestrian safety to environmental protection.
There are, however, some beaches that permit vehicles to be driven on them. For these, it’s important to know where you can drive on the beach and what the rules are that you need to follow.
Drivable beaches in New Zealand
Unless a vehicle is launching or retrieving a boat, or carrying out surf lifesaving, police, council, or government activities, it shouldn’t be driven on the beach. However, some places allow vehicles on the beach.
In the Northland region, you can drive on most beaches except Bream Bay, Ruakaka.
In Auckland, you can drive on Karioitahi and Muriwai beaches, if you hold a permit. This is also the case in Tauranga, where all-terrain vehicles must display a council permit.
In Horowhenua, you can drive on the beaches, but you must observe a 30km/h speed limit. Vehicles are also allowed on most beaches in the Ōpōtiki district, except for areas of Waiotahi and Tirohanga beaches.
On the Kāpiti Coast, cars are allowed on the beach at Ōtaki and Peka Peka, and in Southland, you’re allowed to drive at Oreti beach.
Consequences for driving illegally on a beach
There could be consequences from driving on a beach where it’s not permitted, including a stiff fine. And, if you’re driving on a beach with permission, you should behave as though you’re driving on a road, as all beaches are considered roads under New Zealand law.
This means you must obey the speed limits, wear seatbelts, and stay below the legal alcohol limit. Be mindful there will likely be more pedestrians on a beach than on a road, so it’s important to drive responsibly and carefully.
The New Zealand Police regulates dangerous behaviour and illegal vehicle use on beaches, as well as roads, including drink driving and licencing. Police can prosecute for criminal behaviour and bylaw breaches.
Key rules for beach driving
If you are planning on driving on a permitted beach, here are some key things to watch out for:
- Watch out for beach hazards and be aware that conditions can change quickly on the coast.
- Check the tides, which can change rapidly, so be sure to identify your exit route before you start driving onto the beach.
- Soft sand can be dangerous and take extra care when crossing streams on a beach.
- Drive slowly and carefully, especially around children and other beachgoers and keep a lookout for reduced speed areas.
- Follow all the New Zealand road rules, as these apply equally to beaches and roads.
- Only use signposted vehicle accessways to the beach.
- Keep off the dunes. These act as buffer areas to protect land, people, and houses from storm surges, cyclones, and even tsunamis. Many dunes also contain archaeological sites such as midden and koiwi (human bones).
- Be mindful of wildlife, especially shorebirds and their nesting areas, which are often well camouflaged. This makes them vulnerable to being driven over by vehicles.
- Stay on the harder sand between the waterline and the high tide mark and drive around flocks of birds, as they’re often resting after long periods of flying.
- Look out for vehicle-prohibited areas and follow the rules.