Port Waikato Sand Dunes

Port Waikato Sand Dunes is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New Zealand.

Located on the west coast of the North Island, the dunes stretch for acres beside the Waikato River as it exits into the Tasman Sea. The dunes are a natural wonder and are under pressure from human activities, making it important to preserve them. The dunes are a great spot for outdoor activities such as sandboarding, hiking, and horse riding. Visitors can choose their own personal playground from the acres of rolling sand dunes. A great spot to start your adventures from is Maraetai Bay Reserve, which is on your right before you reach Port Waikato.

There are picnic spots galore near the car park or visitors can grab a blanket and head into the dunes. On a wild day, expect some serious wind-swept action, but on calmer days, the Reserve is a good launching spot for kayaks to paddle around the shallow waters. Horses are welcome, but no trail bikes or high-performance quads are allowed. The dunes are also a great spot for fossil hunting. Visitors can find ancient remnants around the cliffs and coastal rocks at Port Waikato.

Sunset Beach, which is reachable within a 15-minute walk from Port Waikato Holiday Park, is another must-visit destination in the area. The beach has surf lifesavers, and visitors can find out local information before heading out. The Port Waikato Holiday Park is an excellent place to stay while visiting the dunes. The park provides accommodation with free WiFi, a children's playground, a tennis court, and free private parking. The park offers a shared kitchen and a shared lounge and features family rooms. The park is located in Port Waikato and is within 1.3 km of Sunset Beach.

The Port Waikato Dunes Walk is a 3.6-mile out-and-back trail near Tuakau, Waikato. The trail is generally considered an easy route and takes an average of 1 hour and 6 minutes to complete. The trail offers a scenic view of the dunes and is a great way to explore the area. In summary, Port Waikato Sand Dunes is a natural wonder that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of New Zealand's west coast. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as sandboarding, hiking, and horse riding. The area is also great for fossil hunting, and Sunset Beach is a must-visit destination. The Port Waikato Holiday Park is an excellent place to stay while visiting the dunes, and the Port Waikato Dunes Walk is a great way to explore the area.