This is track 58 in Andy Cockrofts "4WD North Island" book and one of the best places in the lower North Island for playing and sharpening up your 4x4 skills. Access is through Foxton Beach township - follow the road past the camping ground and you can't miss it.

Please read the attached Conditions of Access document if you are planning to visit this area.

Tips for driving in sand

If you've not taken your vehicle into the dunes before, here are a few tips that might help you to avoid getting stuck.

• Test the sand. The consistency of sand (particularly fine sand) can vary significantly with how damp it is. Before you tackle the dunes, hop out and have a dig. If there is firm, moist sand close to the surface, your traction will be better. If it has been dry for a while, the firm sand will be deeper down and the dry sand will make the going more tricky and your chances of getting stuck greater. Deep, soft sand can really soak up horse power too.

• Reduce tire pressure. This is a common way of increasing your tire footprint and increasing traction. If you have tubes in your tyres, you can usually let your tyres down to 10-12 lbs or [mumble] kpa. If you don't have tubes, you'll need to keep the pressure a bit higher. A common problem with running tubeless tyres at reduced pressure in sand is that sand can get into the bead of the tyre when cornering and cause a flat.

• KEEP OFF THE GRASS! Coastal dune areas are sensitive to damage. Stick to the clear, blown sand and avoid as far as possible crossing grass or other dune vegetation.

• Choose the right gear. This is more important in soft sand where you'll come to a stop in the time it takes to change down a gear. I find a good gear is low ratio 3rd. Experiment a bit in a safe area to find what your vehicle can do.

• Don't sit spinning your wheels. If you find yourself stationary with your wheels turning, stop, backup and have another run at it or try a different route.
  
  
  

• Take care on ridges. Take extra care to keep your vehicle under control and centred when driving up or along ridges. Otherwise, it's quite easy to end up sideways (or on your side).
  

• Take care following other tyre tracks. When venturing into unknown territory, it can be useful to follow someone else's tracks. However, be careful following tracks left by 4 wheeled bikes - they can go places you won't want to take your truck.

Have fun!

Click here for details of collecting spinifex seeds:
Spinifex Seeds Page 1 (248 kb jpg)
Spinifex Seeds Page 2 (207 kb jpg

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