Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua...
Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua Lighthouse Walk
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Information
Cape Reinga is the most northerly accessible point on the New Zealand mainland. A steady stream of tour buses and visitors, both domestic and from overseas, make the pilgrimage to this wondrous and awe-inspiring place.
Watch the mighty Pacific Ocean meet the Tasman Sea in a swirling maelstrom of confused water. A waypoint for spirits departing Aotearoa, with deep spiritual meaning for Maori. Respect and enjoy!
Access
The start of the track is signposted from the carpark at the end of Cape Reinga Road.
There are toilets nearby.
Track
The sealed track is wide and even, descending to the lighthouse above Cape Reinga.
Geology
The frothing water to the west is Columbia Bank, a swirling maelstrom of confused water, where the calm female waters of the Pacific Ocean meet the furious disturbed waters of the male Tasman Sea. The upwelling of nutrients attracts abundant fish and marine life.
Polynesian History
According to Maori mythology, the final leg of a spirit’s journey involves travelling down the exposed root of the legendary pohutukawa at Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga). From there it travels to the Manawa-Tahi (Three Kings Islands), and on to Hawaiki.
The pohutukawa tree is named ‘Akakite-reinga’ and is just visible between the two prominent humps which form the cape.
European History
The concrete tower of Cape Reinga lighthouse is 10-metres-tall and stands 165 metres above sea level. The lens was shipped from England and installed on Motuopao Island in 1879. Cape Reinga lighthouse started operating in 1941.
Feature
Cape Reinga is 3km south of Surville Cliffs, which are 1km north of North Cape. Cape Reinga is the most northerly accessible point on the New Zealand mainland. A steady stream of tour buses and visitors, both domestic and from overseas, make the pilgrimage to this wondrous and awe-inspiring place.
To the north, the Three Kings Islands were named on the eve of Epiphany by Abel Tasman, to commemorate the Three Wise Men of the East, who followed the star to Bethlehem.
Details
10 to 30mins
Easy walk
Easy access short walk
DOC Managed
Contact
Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 126.
Amy Lord
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful views, clean bathrooms (hand sanitizers only), drinking fountain and lots of walking trails. It’s a uphill incline on the way back so be prepared. There are a couple benches so people can take breaks.
Jennie Tollerton
Ranking: 9/10
Lighthouse walk, great walk, lovely scenery and easy levels.
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Soren Soeholm
Ranking: 8/10
A special spot in the north of the island.
Dorthe Soeholm
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful nature spot with a special lighthouse.
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Ben
Ranking: 10/10
Absolutely beautiful.
Katharina Gans
Ranking: 10/10
The end of the world feeling!! A great walk to the lighthouse of Cape Reinga. Amazing views!!
Orane Lefebuee
Ranking: 10/10
Very beautiful view, see the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean join, amazing. A very good place!
Thank You - to the thousands of travellers that have contributed to our Top Voted NZ Activities Map - it's free from Rankers.
Marc Reuter
Ranking: 8/10
Unfortunately, we had bad weather conditions and could not see anything from the top, but the lighthouse is lovely. With good weather a great spot.
Ben
Ranking: 10/10
Nice walk, great views.
Charles Kulins
Ranking: 10/10
Well worth the drive. One of the most amazing places I have seen in nature. Reading and learning about the Maori people and culture gave the experience a personal, spiritual nature. Although it was very busy all visitor were respectful.
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Adrien Richard
Ranking: 8/10
Awesome beach, alone, probably the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen.
Gessica
Ranking: 10/10
On the top of New Zealand. You can enjoy the perfect scene and the power of nature that all real travellers need to find at least once.
Anais Roux
Ranking: 10/10
Such a beautiful day!!
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
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