Cape Reinga

CAPE REINGA ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL | Cape Reinga Information

Cape Reinga is on the northwestern most tip of the Aupouri Peninsula, at the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand.

The magnificent beach of Cape Reinga curves in an unbroken stretch of white sand for around 88 kilometres and is flanked by the Aupouri Forest.

The landmark of Cape Reinga is the lighthouse many travellers set themselves the goal to visit the iconic lighthouse, there the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, in a spectacular swirl of currents. Another icon is at the northernmost tip of the cape, a twisted pohutukawa tree, believed to be over 800 years old. According to Maori oral history, the spirits of Maori deceased leap from this tree into the ocean to return to their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki.

Cape Reinga History

Maori occupied Northland hundreds of years before Abel Tasman sailed in for water to the Three Kings Islands on the eve of Epiphany 1643. He named the islands after the biblical three wise men. He was the first European to sight North Cape and was responsible for naming Cape Maria van Diemen in honour of the Governor of Batavia's wife.

Main Towns in the Northland Region

Other Towns in the Northland Region