Cape Reinga

What: Cape Reinga

Where: North Island, NZ

Cape Reinga, known in Māori as Te Rerenga Wairua, sits at the far northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s around a three-hour drive north of Paihia in the Bay of Islands, following State Highway 1 almost to its end, with many people visiting as part of a guided day tour. The long journey north adds to the feeling of reaching somewhere truly remote.

This is one of the most culturally significant places in Aotearoa. According to Māori belief, Cape Reinga is where the spirits of the dead gather before beginning their journey back to the ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. Spirits are said to descend the roots of an ancient pōhutukawa tree at the headland, which is why visitors are encouraged to treat the area with respect. The pōhutukawa tree is believed to be over 800 years old.

The cape is marked by its distinctive white lighthouse, which looks out over the point where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. Although not volcanic, the landscape has been shaped over millions of years by strong winds and powerful ocean forces, creating a rugged, dramatic coastline.

Standing at Cape Reinga feels like being at the very edge of New Zealand. It’s a place where natural beauty and deep cultural meaning come together, making it one of the country’s most memorable and symbolic destinations.