Enjoy sandboarding the towering dunes of Lake Wainamu
Auckland, New Zealand • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Dec
17°C – 25°C, warm and sunny with occasional showers, high crowds, peak season
17°C – 25°C, warm and sunny with occasional showers, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Not wheelchair accessible; hiking over uneven terrain required.
Not wheelchair accessible; hiking over uneven terrain required.
Value for money
High
Free access to a unique and memorable experience.
Free access to a unique and memorable experience.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the unique landscape and the thrill of sandboarding together!
Hidden Gem
Visitors found the contrast of dunes and lake incredibly romantic and photogenic.
Stunning Views
The walk to the lake was worth it, offering beautiful views for couples to enjoy.
Hot Sand
Couples found the black sand very hot and uncomfortable without proper footwear.
Limited Parking
Parking was a challenge, which created stress for couples arriving on weekends.
No Facilities
Lack of facilities like toilets and shops was inconvenient for some couples.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
open - open
Tuesday
open - open
Wednesday
open - open
Thursday
open - open
Friday
open - open
Saturday
open - open
Sunday
open - open
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Feel the rush sliding down Wainamu’s massive sunlit sand slopes
Take a journey to Lake Wainamu, a hidden gem of Auckland
Explore Lake Wainamu Track, a scenic blend of lakes, waterfalls, and sweeping dunes
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
15-24°C
Warm and sunny conditions with minimal rainfall.
Warm and sunny conditions with minimal rainfall.
Open
Advance bookings recommended due to high demand.
Advance bookings recommended due to high demand.
Recommended
December offers excellent weather for sandboarding at Lake Wainamu, but expect higher prices and larger crowds.
December offers excellent weather for sandboarding at Lake Wainamu, but expect higher prices and larger crowds.
January
HIGH
17-25°C
Warm and sunny with occasional showers.
Warm and sunny with occasional showers.
Open
High demand; advance bookings recommended.
High demand; advance bookings recommended.
Recommended
January offers warm temperatures ideal for sandboarding at Lake Wainamu. However, it's peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Booking accommodations and activities in advance is advisable.
January offers warm temperatures ideal for sandboarding at Lake Wainamu. However, it's peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Booking accommodations and activities in advance is advisable.
February
MEDIUM
18-25°C
Warm and settled weather with minimal rainfall.
Warm and settled weather with minimal rainfall.
Open
High demand; advance bookings recommended.
High demand; advance bookings recommended.
Recommended
February continues to provide excellent conditions for sandboarding with warm temperatures and low rainfall. While still part of the peak season, crowds are slightly reduced compared to January. Early reservations are still recommended.
February continues to provide excellent conditions for sandboarding with warm temperatures and low rainfall. While still part of the peak season, crowds are slightly reduced compared to January. Early reservations are still recommended.
March
MEDIUM
17-23°C
Mild temperatures with increasing chances of rain.
Mild temperatures with increasing chances of rain.
Open
More availability as crowds decrease.
More availability as crowds decrease.
Recommended
March offers milder temperatures suitable for sandboarding, with the added benefit of fewer tourists and more availability. Be prepared for occasional rain showers.
March offers milder temperatures suitable for sandboarding, with the added benefit of fewer tourists and more availability. Be prepared for occasional rain showers.
How to get there
Taxi
Recommended
Bus
Car
Train
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Not allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required