Cape Reinga New Zealand is a crown jewel at the northern tip of the country. At Cape Reinga, oceans meet, sometimes smoothly, while at other times almost angrily. It’s a special place that is spiritual, significant, and stunning.
Called Te Rerenga Wairua in Māori, it is considered to be the most spiritual place for all Māori people. After all, Cape Reinga is where a person’s spirit comes after death and departs for their eternal home. Reinga actually translates to ‘underworld‘, while Te Rerenga Wairua means “leaping off place of the spirits.”
Although many visitors arrive for cultural understanding, they also come for the spectacular views, as well as photo opportunities with the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse.
Please be respectful
The area is on sacred grounds and should be left undisturbed. The welcome sign also asks visitors to follow the tikanga (custom) of not eating or drinking while you are there.
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Cape Reinga lighthouse
The Cape Reinga lighthouse is often the first New Zealand light seen by approaching ships. It marks a special spot geographically. Looking out from Cape Reinga, oceans meet – the Tasman Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.
The Cape Reinga lighthouse was originally on Motuopao Island, about 6 km down the west coast from Cape Reinga. In 1941, the light and glass housing were moved to a new lighthouse at Cape Reinga. This is the one we see today.
Most visitors walk out to the lighthouse. Similarly, there are many walking trails from the area. These range from the 10-minute walk to the lighthouse to the stunning 3-4 day Te Paki Coastal walk.

Views from the Cape Reinga lighthouse
The views from Cape Reinga are worth a visit on their own. To the west, along the Tasman Sea coast, the spit of land in the distance is Cape Maria Van Diemen. Originally an island, it is now a tombolo sitting about 6 km from Cape Reinga. Accessible by hiking, it marks both the western part of the North Island and the northern tip of 90-Mile beach.
To the east you will see Tapotupotu Bay along the Pacific coast. Spirits Bay is beyond and outside the scope of my image.

The Meeting of the seas
At Cape Reinga, seas meet. To the west (separating New Zealand from Australia 2,000km away) is the Tasman Sea. On the east is the southern Pacific Ocean. The line at the meeting of the seas is clearly visible at Cape Reinga.
A Māori legend
Cape Reinga marks the separation of the Tasman Sea from the Pacific Ocean. For Maori, these turbulent waters are where the male sea Te Moana Tapokopoko a Tawhaki meets the female sea Te Tai o Whitireia.
The whirlpools where the currents clash are like those that dance in the wake of a waka (canoe). They represent the coming together of male and female, and the creation of life.
A closer view of the meeting of the seas:

Cape Reinga NZ – Spirits Bay
Spirits Bay is golden sand, pristine turquoise waters, and colourful shells protected by a large marshland harbouring native birdlife. A sacred place for the indigenous Māori people, this is the point of departure for the spirits of the deceased.
According to the signage, the spirits descend to the water on steps formed by the ancient Kahika tree clinging to the rock at the point jutting out to sea. They then continue on their journey to Hawaiki, the spiritual home.

Pro Tip: If you are headed to Spirits Bay, be sure to bring insect repellent, plenty of drinking water, and check the tide charts before you go.
Getting to Cape Reinga
Sitting at the top of the North Island, Cape Reinga is a 422 km drive from Auckland. There is so much to see along the way that we recommend following this itinerary from Auckland loaded with fascinating stops.
The final 120km (about 90 minutes) of driving will bring you up the Aupouri Peninsula from Kaitaia. Ideally, you will want a full day from this point, allowing you to visit the ancient kauri trees, drive along 90 Mile Beach on the west coast, walk on the white sands of Rarawa Beach on the east coast, stop for a meal, and sandboard down the giant Te Paki sand dunes.
Interesting fact: While Cape Reinga is often thought of as the most northern point in the country, it isn’t. Rather, Surville Cliffs are, and they sit 30km east of Cape Reinga.
Cape Reinga tours from the Bay of Islands
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While the drive itself is easy, bus tours from the Bay of Islands (starting either in Paihia or Kerikeri) are really popular. One of the key reasons to do a tour is to get that exhilarating drive on 90-Mile Beach. Unfortunately, rental vehicles are usually prohibited from driving on the sand and private vehicles too frequently get stuck. In contrast, the busses used for the tour are uniquely equipped for the job.
In a day trip, the tour will include time for sliding down the giant sand dunes, visiting the lighthouse, and lunch, in addition to providing plenty of Māori legends and stories.
Click here to read reviews and check for discounts.
For those who want a bigger thrill, or have less time (and more money), there is an optional tour that with a scenic flight from Paihia to the top of the island where a minivan will take you to the see the lighthouse and ride the giant sand dunes before you fly back.
Check price and reviews for the flightseeing option.
Cape Reinga Tours from Auckland
If you are visiting New Zealand without a vehicle, or if you prefer the knowledge of a local guide, this is the Northland New Zealand tour we recommend. This roundtrip Cape Reinga tour from Auckland does it all in just three days, with both nights spent in the Bay of Islands.
The tour visits Cape Reinga, drives along 90 Mile beach, and travels through the Puketi Kauri Forest. Plus, in the Bay of Islands, you will explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, cruise to the Hole in the Rock, and tour historic Russell. Check price and reviews for this 3-day tour from Auckland
Where to stay
While there are not a lot of options, there are enough. The majority of visitors either enjoy a day trip from the Bay of Islands, include it in a loop around the top of the island, or take an extended hiking/camping adventure with their own tents. If you’re like me and prefer a bed, these are our top recommendations.
- Airbnb options let you live like a local, often a bit off the beaten track. It’s a region loaded with inlets, bays, beaches, and clifftops all offering fabulous spots to stay. Check out this map of Airbnb Cape Reinga options complete with current prices.
- Tekao Lodge is the closest location to Cape Reinga, although it’s 42 km from the top. It’s a backpacker style accommodation with some private rooms with their own bathrooms.
Check price at the Tekao Lodge - Pukenui Lodge is 70 km from the Cape. Here you will find both lodge and motel options, or stay at the nearby Pukenui Campground.
Check price at Pukenui Lodge
On our last visit, we opted to stay 129 km away in Cable Bay at the Golden Sands Beach Front Apartments. We were travelling with teens who really enjoyed having the beach right outside our door. We had our own two-bedroom unit, allowing us to relax, run on our own timeline, and make a day trip up to the top of the island. If you don’t mind the extra drive, it is our top recommendation.
Check price at the Golden Sands Beach Front Apartments
Booking tips for your New Zealand travel planning
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First-time visitors start here: New Zealand travel guide or with our favourite New Zealand road trips.
Flights: We use Skyscanner to find all the available flight options at the best prices.
Rental Vehicles: For cars, we always use RentalCars.com, a rental car search engine with no hidden costs. For campervans, note that Spaceships Rentals NZ offers free one-way drop-off between Auckland and Christchurch.
Accommodations: We use Booking.com to find all levels of accommodations in most NZ cities.
Activity Discounts: We use Bookme.co.nz to find discounts on entry tickets and tours in New Zealand.
Travel Insurance: We purchase insurance that covers medical and travel emergencies when we head overseas. We start with World Nomads.
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**Find more money-saving resources on our Travel Resources page.
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Have you been to Cape Reinga?
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Ashley
I did a road trip around North Island, but never made it past Auckland up north! This area looks amazing. Guess I need to revisit!
Nathalie
This is an amazing guide. I would definitely do the walk to the lighthouse
Sandy N Vyjay
Cape Reinga has such an aura of mystical beauty which is so endearing and it comes across so vibrantly in your blog. The views of course are so stunning and the Lighthouse looks so romantic. Always love these lighthouses which have such an aura of melancholy romance about them.
Sarah Barthet
If only it wasn’t so far away! Stunning photography!
Z.R. Southcombe
Happy New Year! (It’s not too late… right??) Cape Reinga is beautiful, and it really does feel like a spiritually ‘heavy’ place (to me, anyway). Beautiful photos as always – thanks, Rhonda.
Ursula
I must admit, I have never been to New Zealand. Thanks for this article with the great photos.
It is always amazing to the bodies of water coming together. I saw it at Cape Agulhas in South Africa, the southernmost point of the African continent. It marks the boundary between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Lydia C. Lee
We just went to a light house but your photos are so much better than mine!! That’s really beautiful
Tony McGurk
A lovely lighthouse Rhonda & beautiful scenery from up there too.
XmasDolly
Thank you so very much for stopping by & what beautiful beautiful pictures from down under. Sometimes I get caught up in the moment and just look and look and look at all your wonderful pictures and pretend I’m there. Soooooooooo awesome you’re a great photographer you make me feel that I’m actually there with you! HUGS and have a great weekend!
lana
Now that I’m in London freezing, I’m longing for those warm sunny days!
Kristin Aquariann
Beautiful beach! I wish our sea was that color.
Jesh StG
Beautiful ocean views – so inviting to relax! And the lighthouse is an interesting and cute feature!
indah nuria Savitri
what an amazing view, Rhonda. It somehow reminds me of Montauk at the very end of Long Island here i NY 🙂
Quirky Homemaker
Gorgeous photos!
Kathe W.
oh my- super photos! I haven’t been to NZ- but would like to! Cheers!
Cascia Talbert
I have never been there, but it looks beautiful. I love the sign pointing to all the different places around the world.
JM Illinois U.S.A.
Very clear photographs. Blue skies are my reward for stopping at your site today. Chicagoland area is surrounded by greyness, ice and snow. Thank you for the summer shots.
JM, Illinois-U.S.A.
Kristi
Beautiful shots of the beach and light house. I’ve never been to New Zealand unfortunately. Would love to visit someday.
Angela
I really think I need to push a trip to New Zealand up a bit on the “bucket list”! Beautiful!
Angela
These photos just caused me to move New Zealand up a bit toward the top of my bucket list!
Alyssa Marie Thys
Gorgeous! I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand!
Joy @MyTravelingJoys
Really lovely photos! Last month, we visited NZ for the first time but focused on the South Island. Hopefully, we’ll get to the north another time. We also visited the southern most tip of mainland Australia (Cape Otway) recently and it’s interesting to think Antarctica is just on the other side of the sea! 😉
Larry
It’s cool how the waters of entire oceans clash with each other at certain points … interesting to hear about Cape Reinga’s spiritual significance as well!
L. Diane Wolfe
What an adorable lighthouse. So cute!
I love the coastline. It looks a lot like Oregon’s coast.
Alissa Apel
I can see why it’s such a hot spot. It’s stunning! We do not have water like that around Nebraska.
stephanie
Oh, I have been here a long time ago now!! Stunning place, you had great weather for your visit!
Comedy Plus
So lovely. I would love to roam around here for the day. Great shots as always.
Have a fabulous day Rhonda. 🙂
Patrick Weseman
So beautiful.
Parent Club
Stunning views.
Terri
Absolutely gorgeous!
Amila @ Leisure and Me
Absolutely stunning photos and the views.Photos of Pacific Ocean and Spirits Bay are gorgeous and it is amazing to see the water lines clearly!
Karren Haller
What amazing photograph, I love lighthouses but this one is beautiful! Karren
Pinay Flying High
Stunning! Absolutely stunning!
Travel Tuesday
What a delightful post, Rhonda! I enjoyed your wonderful photos and the accompanying commentary.
Thank you for participating in the Travel Tuesday meme!
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – amazing lighthouse .. so pristine – love the directional signs too. Gosh what a fantastic place to visit … gorgeous in more ways than one. I love the way the Oceans meet – they have their own personalities … then the reaching out of the left-over land to Cape Maria van Diemen – that’s wonderful. No wonder one needs at least a day to be around and see the sights …
Glorious – cheers Hilary
stevebethere
I gotta say these photos are stunning Rhonda especially the Spirits Bay one 🙂
Amy
love these photos! oh how I miss Northland
Travelera
You are right, these is stunning.
Id love To visit New Zealand one day 🙂
Dominique Goh
Really gorgeous view from the top of the cape. I hope to be able to visit NZ one day to personally experience viewing all the lovely places that you have been sharing.
Jim
Spectacular scenery
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Some stunning photos. And I like the sign!
Lexa Cain
This is gorgeous! I would totally live here if it was allowed (along with millions of others who I’m sure would also like to, which would kinda take the beauty out it). Thanks so much for the wonderful pictures and the explanations of the sea and ocean meeting place. It looks pretty peaceful there at the moment — are there hurricanes or tropical storms often?
Ruth - Tanama Tales
What a stunning place! I see why it has a special meaning to the Maori.
Joyce
Beautiful photos, Rhonda!
Travis
Gorgeous Views! They make me wish for Summer here in the States. The compositions and lighting are Excellent!!