Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Ninety Mile Beach can be a dangerous place for vehicles and people, with a warning for motorists and swimmers to take care on the beach and in the water this summer. Photo / Rusty Russell
Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Ninety Mile Beach can be a dangerous place for vehicles and people, with a warning for motorists and swimmers to take care on the beach and in the water this summer. Photo / Rusty Russell
Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Ninety Mile Beach is one of the country’s most famous beaches – but it can also be dangerous, sparking a summer warning for caution from the board controlling the iconic beach.
Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe board is urging beachgoers to put safetyfirst and respect the unique environment and cultural significance of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Ninety Mile Beach over the busy summer period. The board asks everyone to drive slowly and safely, swim wisely, respect the environment, and avoid unnecessary risks along the beach and in the water.
“Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe is a treasured taonga and a sacred spiritual pathway, Te Ara Wairua, for many iwi and communities. We ask everyone who visits to uphold the mauri of this place by taking care – slow down, be vigilant in and around the water, and treat the beach and dunes with respect,” Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe board chair Lisa McNab said.
McNab said driving responsibly is one of the most important ways people can protect themselves and the beach. Speed limits on the beach are 30km/h for 200m either side of each beach on/off ramp, and 60km/h for the remainder of the beach. The limits are enforceable and signposted.
Changing tides can alter the conditions of the beach and the board urges drivers to check tide times, drive to the conditions, use only approved access ramps, reduce speed around crowded areas, and never drive at night or at any time after consuming alcohol.
“Conditions on the beach can change quickly. Plan your trip, check the tides, and keep your speed down when driving on the beach – especially near access points and whānau enjoying the day,” McNab said.
She said personal responsibility in the water is critical. The surf of the beach can be deadly at times, particularly after bad weather.
“Know your limits when in the water and keep a close eye on tamariki,” McNab said.
Getting into trouble in your vehicle on Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Ninety Mile Beach, can leave you stuck. Photo / NZME
“There are no lifeguards on duty at Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe. If in doubt about whether it’s safe to swim, stay out. Never swim alone, supervise children at all times, and do not swim at night. Take a moment to assess conditions before entering the water, and if someone is in trouble, ensure your own safety and dial 111.”
She said all beach users can play their part to protect the beach environment by keeping vehicles off the dunes, staying away from nesting shorebirds, disposing of rubbish responsibly and keeping dogs on leads. Fires, camping and campervans are prohibited on the beach.
“Our dunes and wildlife are taonga. Share the shore respectfully and help protect te taiao (the environment) for current and future generations.”
Despite its iconic status, Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe is remote, mobile phone coverage is intermittent along sections of the beach and access to emergency services can be limited.
Beachgoers should plan their trip, consider alternative emergency communication options, tell someone their plans and check tide times before travelling.
If your vehicle becomes stuck, leave the vehicle and move to higher ground. For emergencies, dial 111. For dangerous driving, phone *555.
“Preparation reduces risk and helps keep everyone safe for an enjoyable and responsible time at Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe,” McNab said.
