Cape Reinga is the northwesternmost tip of the Aupouri Peninsula, at the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand. Cape Reinga is more than 100 km north of the nearest small town of Kaitaia.
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🏖️ Headland spots 🏖️ Shore spots ⛰️ Cliff spots 🚢 Lighthouse spots 🗼 Landmark spots 🏖️ Beach spots 🌊 Ocean spotsNestled on the northern tip of New Zealand's Aupuri Peninsula, bordered by the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Cape Reinga is a place of great scenery and legend.
Indeed, the cape has an important role for the Maori people. The Maoris, of Polynesian origin, are indigenous to New Zealand. They have their own culture, both linguistically and mythologically. It is estimated that the Maoris arrived in New Zealand successively between the 9th and 14th centuries.
One of the great legends emanating from Maori mythology is that of Cape Reinga, also known as the "place of the great leap of the spirits". Indeed, in their mythology, the Maori say that the souls of the dead travel to Cape Reinga to reach the afterlife, notably via the 800 year old Pohutukawa tree.
To begin your stay, visit the famous Cape Reinga Lighthouse, built in 1942. The paths leading to the lighthouse offer simply stunning views, especially at sunrise or sunset. You can even see Cape Maria von Diemen.
Once you reach the lighthouse, you will have a relaxing and breathtaking view of the sea.
Not far from the lighthouse you will find Tapotupotu Bay. If you like a relaxing and scenic walk along the lagoon and sandy beaches, this is the place to be.
Afterwards, head to the Te Paki sand dunes. The dunes are up to 150m high and offer a totally different landscape. They are perfect for fun. You can actually climb them and bodyboard.
Don't pass by Cape Reinga without visiting the mythical Pohutukawa tree, of great importance to the Maoris.
Cape Reinga is a wonderful place to discover, as it offers different landscapes: beaches, dunes, cliffs, forests, lagoon. Wherever you are, you will be amazed. In addition, you can also do all sorts of activities: hiking, kayaking, walking with a local guide who will teach you more about Maori culture.
There is little accommodation on Cape Reinga. You can find some countryside but not more. It is best to head to Kaitaia (110km) or Pukenui (70km) where you will find hostels.
It is approximately 790km from the capital Wellington to Cape Reinga.
In Cape Reinga, you have to pay in New Zealand dollars.
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