Northland & Bay of Islands
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) is the dramatic northernmost accessible point of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide.
About this place
For Māori, this is a place of immense spiritual importance, as it is the point from which spirits of the dead depart on their journey to the ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. A short, paved walkway leads from the car park to the iconic lighthouse, offering breathtaking panoramic views. From the cape, you can see the turbulent meeting of the two great bodies of water.
The journey to Cape Reinga is an adventure in itself, taking you through the remote landscapes of the Aupōuri Peninsula. Nearby, you can find the giant sand dunes of Te Paki, where sandboarding is a popular activity. While it is the northernmost point most visitors reach, it is not quite the northernmost point of the North Island – that title belongs to the Surville Cliffs, which are not easily accessible.
Time needed
Full day trip from the Kaitaia or Bay of Islands area
Best time
Summer offers the best weather, but it can be visited at any time of the year.
Practical tips
- Be sure to have a full tank of petrol before heading north from Kaitaia, as services are limited.
- The drive is long, so allow a full day for the round trip from towns like Kaitaia or Paihia.
- Respect the cultural significance of the site; eating is not permitted at the cape itself past the main entrance gate.