Cape Reinga Ultimate Guide: 7 Unique Things to See & Do

Are you looking for the ultimate guide to Cape Reinga? Look no further! This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the 7 best things to see and do in the most northerly region of New Zealand!

From exploring the beautiful sandy beaches, to taking in breathtaking views of Ninety Mile Beach, there are plenty of activities that will keep you entertained during your visit.

Whether it’s hiking along picturesque beaches, hurtling down sand dunes, enjoying a peaceful picnic at remote bays, or simply admiring the natural beauty around you, Cape Reinga has something for everyone. So get ready for an adventure-filled trip and enjoy all that this majestic location has to offer!

7 Unique Things To See & Do in Cape Reinga.

Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Rēinga) is a stunning destination in the North Island of New Zealand and offers plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained.

Literally meaning “the leaping-off place”, in Māori culture this region is where the spirits of the dead leave mainland Aotearoa and begin their journey back to the ancestral homeland, Hawaiki.

The sparsely populated nature of the northernmost part of Aotearoa makes it one of the most peaceful and laid back destinations in the country and full of unique experiences.

Here are 7 of the best things to see and do to make the most of your trip!

1 – Visit the Lighthouse (& stand at the northernmost accessible point in NZ)!

Make sure you don’t miss visiting the Cape Reinga Lighthouse. This historic structure has been standing proudly at the tip of the North Island since 1941 and provides stunning views of the coastline and oceans beyond.

Although it’s not possible to explore inside the lighthouse, there’s plenty to admire from the viewpoint.

Jutting out of rocks just below the lighthouse is an ancient pōhutukawa tree, estimated to be over 800 years old. This tree marks the place where Māori spirits leap off the mainland on the way to their ancestral homeland, Hawaiki.

From the lighthouse, look towards the place where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide as they meet just to the north of New Zealand – you may even see great spouts of water as well as the churning currents!

On a clear day, keep your eyes peeled for the Three Kings Island on the horizon.

The 800m / 0.5mi walk to the lighthouse takes just 10 minutes. It’s a gradual uphill climb back to the carpark. There’s plenty of parking and a toilet block at the carpark, but there are no rubbish bins so take all your rubbish with you.

It’s culturally insensitive to eat at the Cape, so please bring water only with you on your walk and stop instead at Taputupotu Bay for something to eat (see more on this below).

2 – Drive down Ninety Mile Beach – NZ’s world-famous beach road!

Ninety Mile Beach is one of New Zealand’s most iconic beaches, but contrary to it’s confusing name it actually only stretches 55 miles (88 kilometres) from Scott Point in the north to Ahipara in the south.

One of the most incredible experiences you can have on Ninety Mile Beach is driving along part of it – it’s an officially recognised highway!

Normal road rules apply (such as wearing seatbelts and sticking to a speed limit), and the drive is only possible at low tide, and ideally only by 4 wheel drive vehicles.

The safest (and longest) way to experience driving along the beach is to hop on one of the many coach tours departing from Kaitaia or Paihia, but you can also drive yourself (by following some basic rules).

Tips for Driving on Ninety Mile Beach

Plenty of tourist vehicles get stuck in deep sand every year on the beach, so keep your wits about you and be safe as this region is remote and help might be far away.

• Preferably, take only a 4 wheel drive vehicle to minimise the risk of getting stuck.
• Only drive on the beach within two hours of low tide. See Ninety Mile Beach high/low tide times here.
• Drive only on the hard sand and avoid the soft sand. If the access ramp to the beach is covered in soft sand, do not attempt to access unless by 4 wheel drive.
• Don’t be tempted to drive too far. The further you go from the access ramp, the more isolated you’ll be from help if you need it.
• Only access the beach from the suggested list of access points below as these are the safest and most popular on-ramps.

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE
Rental car / campervan companies prohibit driving their vehicles on Ninety Mile Beach. Your insurance will be void if you breach this rule.

Suggested Access Points for Ninety Mile Beach

There are three main points of tourist access to Ninety Mile Beach. I’ve listed these below in order of my personal preference:

Access Point 1 – Hukatere Road

This is probably the easiest and safest place to access the beach, and one which I have done myself.

Take the turning onto Whalers Road at Pukenui and follow your nose for approximately 9.5kms / 15 mins. The last 5kms / 10 mins of this road is unsealed, but still good enough for most cars to drive down.

The on-ramp is wide and usually has hard enough sand to drive on (although cars have gotten stuck here from time to time). It’s my personal choice because it’s very remote so you can really get a sense of how massive and isolated the beach is.

Access Point 2 – Waipapakauri

The second most popular place to access the beach is at Waipapakauri.

Take the left hand turning onto W Coast Road just north of Waipapakauri on State Highway 1, and follow the road all the way to the beach.

It’s a sealed road the entire way and there’s a small settlement of holiday homes right on the beach edge meaning there will always be someone around.

However, the access point to the beach is much narrower, and in my experience the sand is much softer here increasing the risk of your car becoming stuck before you even get to drive on the beach.

Access Point 3 – Te Paki

The third and final access point to the beach is at Te Paki and is only suitable for 4 wheel drive vehicles as it involves driving down the Te Paki stream.

For that reason I don’t recommend it unless you have a 4 wheel drive.

Bonus Access point

One final place you may choose to take your normal car onto Ninety Mile Beach is at Ahipara. The southern reaches of the beach tend to have the hardest sand and are the easiest to access.

A great place is the on-ramp just opposite 209 Foreshore Road just outside Shipwreck Bay (harder sand to the high tide line), but you can also get onto the beach at the end of Kaka St (the sand is much softer here).

3 – Sandboard down the Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes on Ninety Mile Beach

For an adrenaline-filled experience, make sure to include an experience sand boarding the Giant Te Paki sand dunes on your trip to the Cape. These shifting sand dunes can reach over 150m high, making them the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere.

The best way to experience the dunes is to take a ride straight down them on a sandboard! This activity has been a Northland favourite since ages ago (I first did it in 1995!) and is a must-do experience on your visit to this region.

You can self-drive to the Te Paki Sand Dunes, otherwise many of the coach tours to the Cape region stop off at the dunes.

Don’t bring a board with you. Normal body boards don’t slide very well down the sand. If you’re on a coach then your board will be included, but if you’re self-driving you can hire a special sand board for $15 from Ahikaa Adventures at the carpark (cash or internet bank transfers from NZ bank account only).

It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the carpark to the first dunes and you need to cross the shallow Te Paki stream first.

The dunes cover a huge area, and you could easily spend 2-3 hours exploring them. It will take at least 30-45 minutes to walk to the dunes which have a good view of the ocean.

You may have to walk up to an hour to find a good dune to sandboard down, and remember there’s no shade and the steep and deep sand is very tiring to walk on!

The sand on the dunes can be incredibly hot, and the sun is strong so make sure to bring some good footwear, long layers, a hat, sunglasses, plenty of sunscreen and water.

4 – Hike Part of the Te Paki Coastal Track

If New Zealand is known for anything, it’s the amazing walking tracks all over the country that take you to spectacularly scenic locations. The Te Paki Coastal Track is no exception!

This 48 km / 30 mi track officially starts in Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) and ends at Te Paki Stream (where the giant dunes are), passing the famous lighthouse on the way.

But you don’t have to walk the full track to enjoy its beauty. In fact, one of the most scenic sections is between Cape Reinga and Cape Maria van Diemen, along Te Werahi Beach. Read about this section of the track from Day 1 of my Te Araroa adventure.

🤓 FUN FACT!
This part of the Te Paki Coastal Walkway also forms the first part of Te Araroa, New Zealand’s 3,000 km / 1,860 mi long distance hiking trail. Find out more about Te Araroa here.

The track down to the end of Te Werahi Beach (the Te Werahi Beach Track) is 3km / 1.8 mi long and will take about 1 hour (2 hours return).

If you have a bit of extra time, continue over Herangi Hill and take the short detour to Cape Maria van Diemen, the westernmost point of New Zealand’s North Island.

Continue back to the track and through a small scrub section before you get to a junction with the Twilight / Te Werahi Beach Loop track. Take a left hand turning here and follow the track back to the main road where you can walk along the road to the Cape Reinga carpark, or take another detour left to rejoin Te Werahi Beach.

🔥 HOT TIP 🔥
If you’re planning to hike along Te Werahi beach, make sure to check the tide times. There’s a small rocky bluff at the northernmost end of the beach which is impassable at high tide. You need to plan your trip so that you are crossing these rocks within 2 hours of low tide. Find applicable tide times here.

5 – Have a Picnic (or breakfast) at Taputupotu Bay

Because eating is prohibited at the Cape itself, a great place to stop for a bite to eat whilst you admire the amazing scenery and peacefulness of this region is Taputupotu Bay.

The flat grassy area adjoining the beach is New Zealand’s most northerly campsite (operated by the Department of Conservation in conjunction with the local tribe Ngati Kūri), so if you feel inclined this is a great place to camp for the night and tick off the bucket list.

It costs $16 per adult per night to stay at this campsite ($8 per child 5-17 years per night), and you must book online first. You can also call  0800 TE PAKI (0800 837 254) or email campgrounds@ngatikuri.iwi.nz.

The lagoon here is suitable for both swimming and kayaking and there are picnic benches for you to enjoy your lunch as you gaze out at the view.

There are also two or three sets of decent (flushing) toilets at the campsite and cold showers. You may wish to bring your own toilet paper just in case.

You can also join part of the Te Paki Coastal track here for a 5 km / 3 mi walk to the Cape Reinga Lighthouse (3 hours one-way)

6 – Camp at Spirit’s Bay

Another iconic and scenic place to stop in the region is Spirit’s Bay. Sitting about half way between Cape Reinga and North Cape, Spirits Bay is a sweeping curve of white sand beaches on the northernmost coastline of New Zealand.

Spirit’s Bay is a fantastic place for fishing, surfing and also walking, marking the official start/end point of the Te Paki Coastal Track multi-day walk.

Again, the campsite at Spirit’s Bay must also be booked online (you can do this when you arrive) through the same website or contact number/email above as for Taputupotu Bay. The price is the same.

7 – Visit Ahipara & Shipwreck Bay

You’ve seen the top of Ninety Mile Beach, now make your way down the Aupouri Peninsula to its southern terminus at Ahipara!

This quaint little town, one of the northernmost in New Zealand, hosts some of the best sunsets in the southern hemisphere. They are best viewed with a dusk stroll (or horseback ride!) along any part of the beach at Ahipara Bay.

Ahipara was popular in colonial times as a kauri gum digging location. Its heyday was in the 1920s and 1930s when it became a centre for kauri gum diggers, and it was one of the last places in New Zealand where kauri gum was dug or mined on a large scale.

Surfing is a popular pasttime in Ahipara, which has a world-class left hand break over sand. Arise early or stroll along the beach close to dusk to see surfers from all over the world trying their hand in the waves.

If you’re adventurous, have a go yourself by hiring a surfboard or body (‘boogie’) board whilst in Ahipara. This is possible from some of the motels, hostels and lodges in Ahipara (such as the Endless Summer lodge, where you can hire a surfboard for $20). Call ahead to confirm.

Ahipara (and Ninety Mile Beach in general) is also famed for its fishing and the sought-after shellfish tuatua. This asymmetrical shell of the clam family is a popular catch all along Ninety Mile Beach and (I’m told) is especially tasty in tuatua fritters.

I’m no expert on shellfish, so use Up North’s guide to find out more about how to catch and cook tuatua.

The western reaches of Ahipara are marked by Shipwreck Bay, where historic shipwrecks of European explorer vessels came to rest in the notoriously turbulent western coastal waters and can still be seen today at low tide.

Cape Reinga Top Tours.

Experience the beauty of New Zealand’s Northland region with a tour of the Cape.

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Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled day, or prefer to take it slow and explore the area at your own pace, there are plenty of options available.

✅ Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach Bus Tour (with Lunch)

💵 Cost: $165pp | ⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars | ⌛ Length: Full day

Explore Group offers a coach tour of the Cape and Ninety Mile Beach that departs from Paihia in the Bay of Islands.

The tour ticks off the three main sights: the iconic lighthouse (and meeting of the two oceans), the giant sand dunes at Te Paki (where you can try your hand at sand boarding), and a scenic drive down stunning Ninety Mile Beach.

The purpose-built 46 seat coach is capable of reaching places other tours don’t, so this truly is the best way to have an affordable but unique experience in the Far North.

With this full day tour, you have plenty of time to experience some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking scenery. Remember to take beautiful photos to remember your journey forever!

Read more reviews here.

✅ BOOK NOW: Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach Coach Tour (with Lunch) >>

✅ Fly/Drive Half Day Tour

💵 Cost: $471.80 pp | ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | ⌛ Length: Half day

Salt Air offers an exclusive and unique tour that combines air and land travel, giving you the best of both worlds for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Fly over some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes as you travel from Paihia to the Cape, and enjoy the iconic northern coastline & lighthouse from the air (something most people never get to experience)!

At the end of your flight, jump into a minibus for a 2.5 hour tour of some of the other iconic things to do in the region, including a visit to Taputupotu Bay and Te Paki where you can enjoy sand boarding down the giant sand dunes! Morning tea and hotel transfers are included, as well as the cost of flights & the minibus tour.

Read more reviews here.

✅ BOOK NOW: Fly/Drive Half Day Tour

✅ Harrisons Cape Runner – The Budget-Friendly Option Which Takes in All the Sights

💵 Cost: $85 pp | ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | ⌛ Length: Full day

For the quintessential kiwi experience at the Cape, the Harrisons Cape Runner offers a full-day tour departing from Kaitaia (which keeps costs down).

You’ll get to not only explore the best sights and destinations on your way, but also take part in activities such as sandboarding at the Te Paki Dunes and looking for wild horses in Aupouri Forest.

The knowledgeable local Cape Runner drivers on this specially designed tour bus are some of the best at providing interesting historically & culturally accurate commentary along the way!

The Cape Runner features a delicious locally prepared lunch so you only need to worry about packing snacks & water. Tours depart daily from Kaitaia at 9am and return at 5pm. The mild northern climate makes this the perfect experience for any time of year!

Read more reviews here.

✅ BOOK NOW: Harrisons Cape Runner Bus Tour

Getting to Cape Reinga.

Cape Reinga can be accessed by car, tour bus or scenic flight.

🚗 Private or Rental Car

Traveling to the Cape with your own car or a rental car is the most flexible way to explore the Far North region. With your own vehicle, you’ll have more flexibility in terms of where and when you go, as well as what activities you participate in along the way (and how much time you spend at the sights).

Renting a car from Auckland Airport will be the easiest option for most international travellers, but there are plenty of other centres to collect a car around New Zealand, including Whangarei if you’re already in Northland.

The Cape is a six hour drive from Auckland, so to make the most of your trip I recommend staying overnight at one of the other centres in the region such as Whangarei (3hr50m), Paihia (3hr), Kerikeri (2hr45m) or Kaitaia (1.5hr).

[ Coming Soon – 7 Day Northland Driving Itinerary ]

🚌 Scenic Tour Bus

Traveling to the Cape by scenic tour bus is the most popular option for tourists, as it is the only way to explore the destination on foot other than by private vehicle.

Most tour buses depart from the Bay of Islands (Paihia & Kerikeri) but there are also some great services that depart from Kaitaia.

I recommend checking out Fullers Great Sights, Dune Rider and the Harrisons Cape Runner for all the options.

🚁 Scenic Flight

Drones are not allowed at the Cape, so a scenic flight over the promontory and its iconic lighthouse is a great way to get some really unique photographs and perspective of the coastline and the meeting of the oceans. Plus, you’ll also experience the beauty of the rest of the Far North district from the air as you make your way there.

One of the only options is Salt Air’s scenic Half Day Fly/Drive tour which departs from Paihia. This tour offers the best of both worlds, as it also drops you on land just south of the Cape for a 2.5 hour minibus tour of some of the northern bays, Ninety Mile Beach and the Te Paki sand dunes.

You could also check out Heletranz’s Cape Reinga flying tour (ex Auckland) which is jam packed with all of the Northland highlights including the Cape Brett lighthouse, Karikari Peninsula and a guided walking tour of Giant Kauri at Waipoua forest.

Cape Reinga Accommodation.

For those looking to explore the stunning sights of this region, there are a variety of accommodation options available all over the Far North.

From budget hostels and campgrounds, to motels and all-inclusive hotels, visitors can find something that fits their needs for an enjoyable stay in this spectacular location.

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE
If you’re heading to NZ from overseas you should know that the locals will give you a lot of bad blood for defecating anywhere other than a toilet. This is due to the spoilage of pristine natural environments over the last few decades by visitors who haven’t been respectful. Respect the locals and the environment by always using a toilet or following Leave No Trace principles.

📍Best Budget Spot – Endless Summer Lodge (Ahipara)

⭐️ Rating: 9.8 out of 10 stars | 📍 Location: Ahipara  | Cost: $40 per night (Bunk Room)

For just $40 per night you can get a bed in a 4-bunk room at this heritage-listed kauri villa in the peaceful surf destination of Ahipara. Located at the bottom of Ninety Mile Beach, the Endless Summer Lodge features shared cooking & bathrooms (in excellent condition), a beautiful lawn to lounge on and is just a 50 metre stroll to the beach. It’s my personal pick for places to stay when visiting the Cape and Ninety Mile Beach (if you prefer more privacy you can book a private room for $115).

I stayed at the Endless Summer lodge when I was hiking Te Araroa (a 3,000 km trail that runs north to south from Cape Reinga to Bluff) and return to stay here whenver I can.

✅ Check prices & availability for the Endless Summer Lodge >>

More Budget Accommodation

Ahipara Holiday Park: 📍 Location: Ahipara  | Cost: $30 per night (bunk room or tent site) | ⭐️ Rating: 9.3 out of 10 (View on Booking.com)

Haka Lodge Bay of Islands: 📍 Location: Paihia  | Cost: $40 per night (bunk room) | ⭐️ Rating: 9.3 out of 10 (View on HostelWorld.com or Booking.com)

Beachcomber Lodge & Backpackers: 📍 Location: Kaitaia  | Cost: $35 per night (bunk room) | ⭐️ Rating: 7.7 out of 10 (View on Booking.com)

📍Best Mid-Range Spot – Wayfarer Motel (Kaitaia)

⭐️ Rating: 8.4 out of 10 stars | 📍 Location: Kaitaia  | Cost: $175 per night (Deluxe Studio)

Still within a convenient 1.5 hour drive of the Cape is the Wayfarer Motel in Kaitaia. The deluxe queen room at the Wayfarer is self-contained with a kitchenette and bathroom, and the motel also features a swimming pool and hot tub to rest your weary body after a long day exploring the region. You can organise a pick up service for day tours to the Cape and Ninety Mile Beach at the motel’s reception.

✅ Check prices & availability for the Wayfarer Motel >>

Other Mid-Range Accommodation

Endless Summer Lodge: 📍 Location: Ahipara  | Cost: from $100 per night (private room) | ⭐️ Rating: 9.8 out of 10 (View on HostelWorld.com).

Allegra House: 📍 Location: Paihia  | Cost: $232 per night (one-bed apartment with sea view) | ⭐️ Rating: 9.7 out of 10 (View on Booking.com)

Colonial House Motel: 📍 Location: Kerikeri  | Cost: $162 per night (studio) | ⭐️ Rating: 9.0 out of 10 (View on Booking.com)

The Duke of Marlborough: 📍 Location: Russell  | Cost: $155 per night (small double room) | ⭐️ Rating: 8.7 out of 10 (View on Booking.com)

Whatuwhiwhi Top 10 Holiday Park: 📍 Location: Karikari Peninsula  | Cost: $130 per night (chalet) | ⭐️ Rating: 8.5 out of 10 (View on Booking.com)

📍Best Luxury Spot – Golden Sand Beachfront Accommodation (Cable Bay)

⭐️ Rating: 9.3 out of 10 stars | 📍 Location: Cable Bay  | Cost: $350 per night (Deluxe Waters-edge Apartment)

Just under 2 hours’ drive from the Cape is the sweeping coastline of Doubtless Bay, which the Golden Sand Beachfront Accommodation at Cable Bay invites you to explore. $350 per night will get you a deluxe waters-edge apartment self-contained with a kitchen and bathroom. Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline from your room, your own private balcony and even your own barbecue! If you don’t feel like cooking, you’re well placed close to popular Cooper’s Beach Four Square and the world-famous Mangonui Fish Shop! I highly recommend spending a few nights here, as there’s plenty to explore!

✅ Check prices & availability for Golden Sands Beachfront Accommodation >>

Other Luxury Accommodation

Edgewater Palms Apartments: 📍 Location: Paihia  | Cost: $480 per night (one-bed waterfront apartment) | ⭐️ Rating: 8.5 out of 10 (View on Booking.com)

Stay Kerikeri: 📍 Location: Kerikeri  | Cost: $322 per night (one bed apartment) | ⭐️ Rating: 8.5 out of 10 (View on Booking.com)

The Duke of Marlborough: 📍 Location: Russell | Cost: $465 per night (King room with seaview) | ⭐️ Rating: 8.5 out of 10 (View on Booking.com)

Cape Reinga FAQs.

Cape Reinga is an iconic destination in New Zealand, attracting visitors from all over the world. It’s considered to be one of the most beautiful and unique places on earth.

To help you make the most of your time here, I’ve compiled a few frequently asked questions about the region.

Final Thoughts: Things To Do In Cape Reinga.

Cape Reinga is an iconic destination in New Zealand, offering visitors a unique and spiritual experience at a place which is important to Māori and Pākeha alike.

From the meeting point of two oceans to its bright white sand dunes at Te Paki, it’s truly one of the most beautiful places on earth and a New Zealand must-do.

This guide has given you all the information you need to make your trip memorable, from what to see and do, to the best places to stay for any budget.

Now all you have to do is get out there and experience it!