Cape Reinga Cape

Address: Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua, Northland, New Zealand

Website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/

Hours: Open public area, accessible 24/7

Cape Reinga is the northernmost notable headland of New Zealand’s North Island, located in the Northland Region, and is an important cultural and scenic landmark. It is famed for the meeting of ocean currents and its significance in Māori tradition as Te Rerenga Wairua.

From the headland there are expansive views where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet and currents and surf patterns are often visibly distinct. The site includes a lighthouse, flagstaff and a short walking track from the car park to the lookout; interpretive signage explains the area’s cultural importance.

The cape has long been a sacred place in Māori tradition, known as the point where the spirits of the dead depart the land. European navigation charts later identified the headland and a lighthouse was established to aid shipping; the area developed into a public viewpoint and cultural site.

Sitting at the far north of the North Island, Cape Reinga is reachable by sealed and unsealed roads from the regional centres in Northland and is a well-known terminus for road trips through the region.

• Māori significance: Viewed as the traditional departure point for spirits in Māori belief, the headland is a major cultural site for Ngāi Takoto and other iwi.
• Visitor access: A short paved path and viewing platform lead to the headland and lighthouse; parking is available at the visitor area, making the cape accessible to most visitors.

Drive from Kaitaia (about 1.5 hours) along State Highway 1 and Te Paki Road; the last stretch to the cape is sealed. Bus and tour options operate from Kaitaia in peak season; the area is remote with limited services.

• Arrive at sunset for a particularly popular local ritual: people gather near Cape Reinga lighthouse to watch Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet.
• The road to the cape (State Highway 1 to Te Paki) is sealed but remote - allow extra time and fill up with fuel in Kaitaia.
• Combine the cape with nearby 90 Mile Beach for a quintessential far-north New Zealand drive.