Aucklanders are fortunate to have two stunning beaches – Karioitahi and Muriwai – where you’re allowed to drive, provided you have a permit.

Getting a permit costs nothing and only takes about five minutes. Even better, it can all be done online.

Beaches are legal roads and all road rules – seatbelts, speed limits, driving behaviour and such - apply.

Top tips

• You must always have your beach driving permit when you are driving on the beach – having it on your mobile phone or device is fine.
• Take safety equipment, including a spade and a rope.
• Stick to the hard part of the beach below the high tide line.
• Access to the beach is limited to three hours either side of low tide.
• Stay off the dunes – fragile dune systems are damaged by vehicle use.
• Always slow down when there are people or animals around.
• Be aware of shorebirds nesting at high tide.