Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is famous for being a spot where you can see how the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide. Standing by the beautiful lighthouse, you can watch how the power of sea and ocean create a tidal race – waves, rapids and whirlpools. It means that in the storm this area is dangerous for boat navigation.
However, visiting Cape Reinga on-shore is perfect in any weather and all year round. Once you start watching the magnificent and infinite dance of the water, it is hard to stop and you lose the time count. Such a magnificent place makes you consider every moment of living.
The beautiful lighthouse at Cape Reinga was built in 1941 replacing the
one on nearby Motuopao Island (built 1879). The lighthouse was fully automated
and the lighthouse keepers were withdrawn in 1987. Former 1000-watt light was
replaced by a 50-watt flashing LED light.
According to Māori mythology, Cape Reinga or Te Rerenga Wairua is the place where the spirits of the dead leap off the headland to climb the ancient pohutukawa tree and eventually descend to the underworld to return to their traditional home Hawaiki, using the Te Ara Wairua, the ‘Spirits’ pathway’. It is believed that the spirits leave the mainland at the Cape and they stop at the Three Kings Islands to turn around briefly and take the last look back towards the land, then carry on with their last journey.
How to get to Cape Reinga?
Cape Reinga is located at the tip of Aupouri Peninsula at the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand. It is the northwesternmost point of New Zealand. However, Cape is mistaken to be the northernmost tip of the country, but, North Cape’s Surville Cliffs, located 30 km east of Cape Reinga, are 3 km further north.
Just follow State Highway 1 for 100 km to the north from Kaitaia until you reach Cape Reinga. Since 2010 the road is fully sealed and the spot gets 120,000 visitors a year and 1300 cars a day in peak season. So plan your journey accordingly as it might be hard to find a parking spot. The place is equipped with toilets which can be found in the car park.
Cape Reinga grounds are very sacred and very significant for Maori people. The place is awaiting to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. So please, be respectful and do not litter.