Things to Do – The Far North, Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach

Experience 90 Mile Beach & Cape Reinga

Nestled at the northernmost tip of New Zealand’s North Island, Cape Reinga awaits you with its breathtaking beauty and profound cultural significance. Prepare to be mesmerized as the mighty Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide in a dance of currents, creating a whirlpool of natural wonder that will leave you in awe.

Embrace the unspoiled wilderness as you venture into a land adorned with rolling sand dunes that stretch infinitely. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you sandboard down the pristine slopes, or let the tranquillity of the landscape wash over you, a moment of serenity amidst the grandeur of nature.

The iconic Cape Reinga Lighthouse stands atop the rugged cliffs, a beacon of spirituality and history. According to Māori legend, this is where the spirits of the departed begin their final journey to the ancestral homeland. Let the ancient stories and cultural heritage come alive as you bask in the presence of this symbolic site.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts! Cape Reinga offers a visual feast like no other. Bask in the kaleidoscope of colours during the awe-inspiring sunsets or seize the opportunity to capture unique wildlife encounters in their natural habitat. Each frame is a testament to the wonders of Mother Earth.

Venture into the endless adventures that await you. Hike along scenic coastal trails, uncover hidden coves and pristine beaches, and feel the thrill of exploration embracing you at every turn. Cape Reinga caters to thrill seekers and nature lovers, a perfect harmony of adventure and tranquillity.

Stand at the world’s edge and witness the meeting point of two mighty oceans. Feel a profound sense of wonder and humility as you gaze out into the vast expanse of the ocean, a moment of connection with nature that words cannot adequately describe.

Embrace the magic that only Cape Reinga can offer. Whether you seek a spiritual retreat, a thrilling escapade, or a moment of serenity, this enchanting destination is ready to reveal its secrets and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey to Cape Reinga, where natural beauty and cultural significance intertwine? Join us as we explore this hidden gem at the world’s edge!

Things To Do In The Far North

The best way to appreciate this part of the Far North to Cape Reinga is to take a scenic flight from the Bay of Islands or with one of the local bus tour operators that offer daily trips from the Bay of Islands or Kaitaia. You will learn the history and legends of the region including various points of interest and enjoy a drive along the magnificent sometimes wild west coast of Ninety Mile Beach.

Leaving Ninety Mile Beach it’s time to try sand boarding on the giant sand dunes of Te Paki before heading to Cape Reinga, which although it is not quite the furthest northern point of New Zealand it is where the road journey ends. Twelve degrees below the Tropic of Capricorn, Cape Reinga thrusts its head north to bask in subtropical sunlight. Here, under the wind-whipped Cape Reinga Lighthouse, the Tasman and Pacific oceans meet, colliding in a fit of fury and spitting salty spray high as they battle for dominance.

Maori believe that at Cape Reinga, “the place of the leaping”, the spirits of the departed leap from an 800-year-old pohutukawa tree on the windswept cape to begin the voyage back to their final resting place in the ancestral homeland of Hawaiki.

Other points of interest are the views down to Cape Maria Van Diemen and the beautiful beach at stunning Tapotupotu Bay, a sandy beach that is nestled on the eastern side of Cape Reinga. For the tramper there are numerous walks from short or multi day walks staying at Department of Conservation camp sites.

The Far North offers some great accommodation to suit all budgets “Click Here”