Eventually even the dunes peter out, to be replaced by a rocky coastline that is Cape Reinga – the top of New Zealand.

You might appreciate that with such a massive beach it would be supported by an extensive sand dune. Travelling 1km inland, we came to the place where the sand dunes met the bush. It provided a startling contrast.

Of course, where there are sand dunes, there’s adventure sports. No camels here, but plenty of punters sand boarding down the steep slopes.

Further along the beach, we passed the Hole in the Rock. Unlike the one in the Bay of Islands, this one is unaccessible to humans due to the wild surf, although there is apparently a seal colony there.