Cape Reinga is an iconic spot to visit in New Zealand as it is famed for being the Northernmost point of the country (although it technically isn’t). But there is so much more significance to the area and lots of great things to see along the way that makes this journey a meaningful one for New Zealanders and international tourists.
Let’s start with the basics. Cape Reinga is located in the far (far!) North of New Zealand almost six hours drive from Auckland. There is no settlement in Cape Reinga and it is not reachable by public transport, there’s not even any cellphone signal. It sounds like a hard sell…until you see the pictures and hear the stories of what makes this place so special.
The Cape Reinga lighthouse is the northernmost in New Zealand.
So, why visit Cape Reinga?
Cape Reinga or Te Rerenga Wairua in Maori is not only a stunningly beautiful place to visit, it holds great significance in Maori culture. This is the place where spirits come to descend into the underworld, leaving behind Aotearoa for Hawaiki-A-Nui, the land of their ancestors. The spirits slide down the roots of an ancient pohutakawa tree which can still be seen battling the adverse weather on the edge of the headland.
Past the lighthouse marking the tip of Cape Reinga, you can see Manawatāwhi (Three Kings Islands) which were originally inhabited by Maori but since 1840 have been uninhabited. Because of their isolation and fact that pests were never present, they have a unique eco-system and are home to rare trees and insects. They have several species of beetle and tree types endemic to the islands including one named the world’s rarest tree – kaikomako.
Cape Reinga is also the joining point of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, it is possible to see the two different coloured oceans merging and there is a seam of waves which flow into each other instead of towards the shore. In Maori mythology, this is the joining of Te Moana-a-Rehua (the sea of Rehua) with Te Tai-o-Whitirea (the sea of Whitirea) representing the joining of male and female or the essence of life.
How to get to Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is located at the top of State Highway 1 and is an easy but long drive through Northland. the entire road is now sealed and there is parking and a short walk down to the lighthouse.
Stunning views over the Cape Reinga lighthouse
If you don’t have your own transport there are several bus tours which leave from the Bay of Islands or Auckland. These are usually day trips which leave early and visit Cape Reinga along with other sights along the way.
Because it is a dead-end road up to the far north and the high volumes of tourist traffic this should be a fairly easy route to hitchhike. Hitchhiking is common and reasonably safe in NZ but do so at your own risk.
Tips for Visiting Cape Reinga
Stay the night. There are some great campgrounds near Cape Reinga and spending the night gives you the opportunity to properly enjoy the surrounding area without having to rush back. It also means you can see sunset or sunrise at Cape Reinga which are truly special.
Amazing views on a stunning day at the north cape of New Zealand
Don’t eat there. The area surrounding Cape Reinga is sacred ground and it is considered tapu (taboo) to eat or drink in this area. The car park has been moved off the sacred land and there are other picnic spots on the road up.
There is no signal. As of 2020, there is still no cellphone signal at the Cape. Which, while showing how technologically inept we are in parts of NZ, also forces you to get off your phone and enjoy the beauty of this special place.
There are toilets but nothing else. The nearest shop is 45km away so make sure you bring everything you’ll need for your visit.
Take the time to walk nearby. Cape Reinga is in the middle of the Te Paki Coastal Track, a stunning walking track which can be hiked over 4 days. But if you don’t have a spare four days you can do a day hike or even just an hour or so. The track extends in both directions from Cape Reinga and leads to beautiful bays and viewpoints in both directions.
What to see on the way to Cape Reinga
The drive to Cape Reinga between Kaitaia, the last major town on State Highway 1, is actually relatively boring. The once sprawling kauri forests and native bush is now farmland and there’s not much to see other than fields. Having said that, there are a couple of places worth stopping in at on your way there or back.
Te Paki Sand Dunes
The massive Te Paki sand dunes are a must see on your Cape Reinga road trip
I’d read about the Te Paki sand dunes and heard of lots of people stopping in at them on a road trip to Cape Reinga but honestly just thought they were a gimmicky tourist stop. Turns out their some of the most incredible dunes I’ve ever seen.
Vast landscapes of sand as far as the eye can see ending with native bush on one side and the ocean on the other. You can hire boards to go dune boarding ($15) or just go for a walk and admire this desert-like landscape.
90 Mile Beach
Although this is one of New Zealand’s longest beaches it’s not actually 90 miles long, more like 54. But it’s still a beautiful long stretch of beach to visit, especially in the summer months.
If you’re driving a 4WD you can drive along this beach which is also a national road. If you have a normal car you can drive on some parts of it but you’ll need to know how to spot the right areas of hard sand and rental cars can’t be taken onto the beach. If you’d prefer you can take a bus tour to Cape Reinga, most of which will drive along 90 mile beach.
Where to stay near Cape Reinga
If you have a camper van or tent then definitely consider staying at one of the campsites nearby which will maximise your time and avoid a long drive there and back on the same day. The campgrounds are run by the Department of Conservation and cost $15 per person per night.
The campground at Waitiki also has cabins with shared kitchen facilities from $90 per night but if you want a hotel or somewhere with better facilities you’ll need to head back to Te Kaeo or Houhora. Check out the Pukenui Lodge Motel or Pukenui Holiday Park for some affordable options.
All the info you need for a Cape Reinga road trip. Whether you're driving from Auckland to Cape Reinga or spending longer in Northland this guide has everything you need to know about visiting Cape Reinga.
#newzealand #travel #capereinga #reinga #northland #farnorth #roadtrip #traveltips #vanlife
All the info you need for a Cape Reinga road trip. Whether you're driving from Auckland to Cape Reinga or spending longer in Northland this guide has everything you need to know about visiting Cape Reinga.
#newzealand #travel #capereinga #reinga #northland #farnorth #roadtrip #traveltips #vanlife
All the info you need for a Cape Reinga road trip. Whether you're driving from Auckland to Cape Reinga or spending longer in Northland this guide has everything you need to know about visiting Cape Reinga.