Cape Reinga Lighthouse Walk
Track category
Easy access short walk
Time:
10 min
Distance:
100 m
Description
View as you walk towards the lighthouse
at Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga)
This is a short stroll from the Cape Reinga car park down to the lighthouse.
From there you can get outstanding views of the ocean and the Three Kings Islands (Manawatawhi) on the distant horizon, and Cape Maria Van Diemen to the west. In clear weather, you can see the most northern point (known as Surville Cliffs) of New Zealand to the east, as well as Motuopao Island, North Cape, and Sandy Bay.
Offshore, you can witness the immense power of two mighty oceans merging. The currents of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet in a foaming swell of broken water over the Columbia Bank just west of Cape Reinga. At times, the churning waves erupt in explosions of spray and spume.
Getting there
Cape Reinga is located at the northernmost area of New Zealand, approximately 60 km north of Kaitaia.
Follow State Highway 1 north to Waitiki Landing, continuing another 20 km to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga).
Cape Reinga Road gets very busy over the summer months. Please drive slowly and take extra caution.
Activities
Historic sites
Scenic tours run daily to Cape Reinga from Kaitaia and Paihia.
Tracks and walks
Two tracks start at Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga). One track leads you down to Te Werahi beach and continues on to Te Paki Stream. Another track to the east above the carpark, winds around the coast to Tapotupotu Bay and Kapowairua (Spirits Bay). Both tracks are part of the Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway.
Plan and prepare
Toihu te whenua - leave the land undisturbed.
Guides and commercial tourism providers