Beach Driving Safety

Beach Driving New Zealand's magnificent beaches and beautiful weather are the perfect combination for 4WD excursions.

However, before you hit the sand, it is important to be aware of beach safety and road rules for smooth sailing in the car:

Firstly, you must ensure beach driving is allowed at your chosen destination.  If so, also check if a valid vehicle permit is required in designated areas

Be aware of tide times. Low tide is the best time to drive, and don’t drive within two hours of high tide

Before hitting the sand, your hubs must be in the correct position to engage 4WD

Lower your tyre pressure, as this will help the vehicle handle soft sand.  Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the appropriate pressure, which is generally between 15 and 25 PSI depending on the sand type, car load etc

Make sure you’ve packed the beach driving essentials – a tyre gauge, air pump, tow rope, shovel, first aid kit, adequate water, flood, fuel and spare tyre/s.  You never know when these may be needed!

If you do become bogged, try not to leave your vehicle unless absolutely necessary, e.g. if the tide is rising.  By staying put, road assistance/rescuers will be able to locate you more easily

Finally, tell someone where you are headed and when you expect to return.

Once on the beach, several rules and considerations apply:

  • Be aware of the rising tide
  • Enter and leave the beach through designated areas and stay in selected driving zones
  • Follow set speed limits
  • Respect and protect flora and fauna – the beach is their habitat, not yours.  Be particularly careful of sand dunes and do not drive over them where possible
  • To drive safely through deep, dry sand, stay in a low gear, avoid gear changes and do not stop
  • The best sand to drive on is harder sand, found between the high tide mark and the water line
  • If you have to drive through water, take it slow and, again, do not stop
  • Follow someone else’s vehicle tracks where possible
  • It’s a good idea to travel with another vehicle in case you do get bogged or get into trouble, particularly on isolated beaches
  • Only overtake if really necessary, and slow down when driving near people
  • After leaving the sand, reinflate your tyres straightaway to resume driving on roads and/or harder surfaces.

    • Play it safe and follow the above for a fun day in the sun, surf and sand!