Cape Reinga is the most northern point of the North Island open to the public. It is where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet.
Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) is also the point where Māori spirits return to Hawaiki, their ancestral homeland. For this reason, eating is not permitted at Cape Reinga.
A sealed walkway heads from the carpark to the iconic lighthouse and yellow direction signpost. The walkway is suitable both prams and wheelchairs. There are panels along the walkway providing history on the area.
The lighthouse was constructed in 1941 and was the last manned lighthouse to be built in New Zealand. It was manned by a person until 1987. It now fully automated and operated remotely from Wellington.
Cape Reinga is 1 hour and 30 minutes drive north of Kaitaia.
We have been here twice, 2012 in the sun and 2014 in the mist. Both times were special, but 2014, was post retirement and we walked down the steep trail to the beach. Did not know about the not eating on the Cape thing, though. Thanks for sharing. Allan
Based on what I have seen of NZ, I can only imagine that this is a beautiful area albeit very remote. Lovely photos
It looks so nice ! Thanks for sharing !
I really enjoyed my time in Cape Reinga. I went there in 2011 and think of it as the furthest I have ever been from home. Happy memories!