Te Paki Sand Dunes, also called the Giant Sand Dunes, are a collection of sand dunes located on the Northland Peninsula of New Zealand. The dunes abut the Ninety Mile Beach and are a popular spot for sandboarding.
Geography The dunes are located on the western (Tasman Sea) side of the Aupouri Peninsula and are southeast of Cape Reinga Lighthouse. They cover an area of approximately by , with some individual dunes rising up to .
Te Paki Stream runs through the area and contains many native flora and fauna.
History In 1966 the Department of Lands and Survey purchased the Te Paki Station to create a coastal park. In 1969 the Department contracted archaeologist Janet Davidson to undertake an archaeological survey. Her fieldwork, which was completed between 1969 and 1971, found that the Te Paki dunes have a rich archaeological history which can be threatened by erosion and difficult to protect. A variety of site types were recorded: 45 pa sites; 207 pit, terrace and hut sites; middens; and 19th century sandstone walls. Taro were also found growing.
Ecology The wider Te Paki area is home to a diverse range of ecosystems and of native flora and fauna.
Sandboarding Sandsurfing is a popular activity at the dunes. Guided tours around Cape Reinga often stop at the dunes to sandboard.
Climate
References
Further reading
Dragicevich, K. (2016). Te Paki Station. New Zealand Memories, Dec 2016/Jan 2017; n.123, 38–43.