Saturday, March 23, 2024
HomeDestinationsCape Reinga: A Stunning Symbol Of New Zealand's North Island

Cape Reinga: A Stunning Symbol Of New Zealand’s North Island

If you truly want to say you’ve seen it all in New Zealand, a trip to the country’s northernmost point is a must! Cape Reinga is New Zealand’s northernmost accessible point, famous for its gorgeous lighthouse and stunning coastline landscape. Let’s check it out through this article!

Cape Reinga, NZ’s North Island

cape-reigna-lighthouse
cape-reigna-lighthouse

The Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a stunning swirl of currents at the Cape. A gnarled pohutukawa tree, thought to be over 800 years old, may be seen at the Cape’s northernmost tip. The ghosts of deceased Maori, according to Maori oral tradition, leap from this tree into the ocean to return to their native country of Hawaiki.

When we say Cape Reinga is New Zealand’s northernmost point, we really mean the “most accessible northernmost point.” Surville Cliffs, 30 kilometers to the east, have the official title. However, much of the area surrounding the Surville Cliffs is off-limits to the public and requires a permit to enter.

History of Cape Reinga

Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) is the most spiritually significant location in New Zealand for Maori. They think that the spirits of their recently deceased loved ones leave here on their way to the afterlife.

The spirits congregate at Spirits Bay to the east before approaching the Cape after traveling up the nation. At its extreme point stands a gnarled pohutukawa tree thought to be over 800 years old, down which spirits are reported to climb to reach the ocean. They then go underwater to the Three Kings Islands, where they bid farewell to New Zealand before continuing on to their ancestral homeland, Hawaiiki-A-Nui.

The magnificent Cape Reinga lighthouse, which was the last manned lighthouse built in New Zealand, was first operated in May 1941. It has been automated since 1987. The lighthouse is as majestic as the 360° vistas it offers, standing 10 meters tall and 165 meters above sea level. It is not accessible to the general public, yet it offers an excellent focal point for your photographs.

How to get there

Cape-Reinga-north-nz
Cape-Reinga-north-nz

The travel from Paihia to Cape Reinga takes a little under three hours. You’ll pass through distant Far North villages and settlements along the way. Once reaching the Aupouri Peninsula, you have two alternatives for driving: along State Roadway 1 or along Ninety Mile Beach, which is also a recognized highway. Driving on Ninety Mile Beach, on the other hand, is best left to the specialists because tides and shifting dunes can make it treacherous.

A sightseeing day tour to Cape Reinga allows you to relax and enjoy the landscape while an expert local guide handles the driving. You’ll drive along Ninety Mile Beach, pause for sand-surfing at the massive Te Paki sand dunes, and stop for other spectacular sights along the way.

Things to do in Cape Reinga, North Island, NZ

Walk the Cape Reinga Lighthouse Trail

cape-reigna-lighthouse-north-nz
cape-reigna-lighthouse-north-nz

The most important thing to do there is to visit the Cape Reinga Lighthouse! This is accomplished by taking a leisurely 10-minute trek to the lighthouse and photographing it from various perspectives as you make your way toward the cliff’s edge. You’ll also watch the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea collide. Wheelchairs and buggies can use the wide sealed walkway. Along the walk, information panels also explain the location’s history and significance to the Maori people.

Location: The trek begins at the Cape Reinga parking park, at the end of State Highway 1.

Tapotupotu Bay is a must-see

Tapotupotu-Bay
Tapotupotu-Bay

Tapotupotu Bay is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible beaches in the Cape Reinga area. So, enjoy a picnic, a swim in the surf, or perhaps spend the night at the beach’s campground.

Location: Toputaputu Road is 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Cape Reinga off State Highway 1.

Read more Do you know about the New Zealand pohutukawa tree?

Explore the Te Paki Coastal Track

Te-Paki-Coastal-Track
Te-Paki-Coastal-Track

Want a spectacular multi-day hiking excursion that is a great alternative to the New Zealand Great Walk? Think about trekking the Te Paki Coastal Track! This 48km (30-mile) path takes 3-4 days to complete and features some of the nicest scenery in Cape Reinga and the Far North. Walk to Spirits Bay, Ninety Mile Beach, Te Paki Stream, and other destinations while sleeping at campsites (some of which are free).

Location: There are several points of entry to the path. Start at Kapowairua off State Highway 1 at Waitiki Landing and go along Te Hapua Road, then Spirits Bay Road. The opposite end of the track is also at Te Paki Stream, which can be reached by turning off State Highway 1 at Te Paki onto Te Paki Stream Road.

The Twilight Walk – Te Werahi Loop Track

Te-Werahi-Loop-Track
Te-Werahi-Loop-Track

The Twilight – Te Werahi Loop Track allows you to see even more of the magnificent Cape Reinga shoreline. The round trip time for this 16km (10-mile) trail is 4-5 hours. Another lighthouse in this area can be seen by walking across fields and sand dunes.

Location: 4.5km (3 miles) south of Cape Reinga on State Highway 1. The Te Werahi Gate car park is available for parking.

Te Paki Sand Dunes Sandboarding

Te-Paki-Sand-Dunes-Sandboarding
Te-Paki-Sand-Dunes-Sandboarding

Grab a body board (you can either buy one before your journey up north or they are included in bus tours) and head to the massive sand dunes! Simply lie on your stomach on the body board, grab the front, and regulate your speed by digging your feet into the sand. You’ll notice where the bus tours normally sand board marked in the sand – a fantastic location to start if you’re not sure where to go.

Location: Te Paki Stream Road is 19 kilometers (12 miles) south of Cape Reinga, off State Highway 1. There is a car park at the end for vehicles that cannot drive on the sand.

Go to Spirits Bay (Kapowairua)

Spirits-Bay-Kapowairua
Spirits-Bay-Kapowairua

This beautiful bay is sacred to the native Maori, who believe that souls assemble here before traveling to the hereafter. Spirits Bay, also known as Kapowairua, is a beautiful site to visit if you want to get off the usual path in the Cape Reinga area. A Department of Conservation campsite is nearby, and the bay is also part of the Te Paki Coastal Walk.

Location: 36 kilometers (22 miles) south of Cape Reinga, along State Highway 1, down Te Hapua Road, then Spirits Bay Road.

Weather in Cape Reinga, NZ (The best time to visit)

January-March

This period has been identified as the peak season for visiting here, and for a good reason. The temperatures range between 63°F to 77°F, with an average humidity of 75%, making it the ideal climate for exploring the best things to do in Cape Reinga.

April-May

If you’re wondering what the best time to visit Cape Reinga is, this is it. The Cape Reinga weather is lovely and steamy, with the lowest temperature at 52°F and the highest at about 70°F. Despite the 71% humidity, now is a terrific time to explore the top things to do here.

Weather Cape Reinga in June-December

The hottest temperature recorded in Cape Reinga is 72°F, which makes you want to hurry to the local café and down a glass of chilled drink, but the moderate humidity of 77% makes this an excellent time to visit.

Here are all you need to know before visiting Cape Reinga: getting there, things to do, and weather. Come here immediately to begin your fantastic journey! Please share your thoughts by posting a comment below!

Related post Castle Hill Rocks: Explore The National Treasure Of New Zealand

Anna
Annahttps://my-lifestyle.co/
If you want to travel the world through blogs then my articles will satisfy you. With a never-ending journey, I'll take you to the best cities and exciting experiences!
RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular