It was the first point we pointed out on the map of New Zealand as soon as I bought the van. The most northern point of the island, the end of the country, the most sacred place for the Maori culture ... Cape Reinga (or Cape Reinga).
Although strictly not the northernmost point of New Zealand, it is in practice. The Maori culture highlights it and it is also the one with the best access, because until it reaches Interstate number 1. It was the one we took and after traveling more than 400 km from Auckland (in several stages) there we planted.
The car should be parked at the top of the promontory and continue on foot along a path, until reaching the limit of the cape, marked by a lighthouse, from where the panoramic views are spectacular. In front of you there is the encounter between the Tasmanian Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is easy to find the exact connection point because, in addition to having different colors, the contrast of temperatures causes currents to be created and the waves collide with each other. In Maori mythology this effect is known as the encounter between man (the Rehua Sea) with women (the Whitirea Sea).
It is a place full of spirituality, the Maories refer to it as the point from where the souls of the dead leave the underworld and give way to the underworld (Reinga means "underworld"). Through the 800-year-old Kahika tree, which can be seen at the bottom of the cliff, the souls embark on their last journey, the path of the spirits, passing through the islands of the Three Kings, facing the end and finally crossing to The other life
On the path to the lighthouse we find many tables where they tell the mythological stories maories, so it is easy to feel the magic of this place. It is certainly a mandatory point to learn more about the rich culture of the country.
Near the cape, descending a stone path you reach a super beautiful beach, and best of all, you can camp! We spend two nights here enjoying nature and this spectacular place. Ah! And Rober fulfilled Tibu's legacy and hit a good dip!
USEFUL INFO
How to get?
The nearest city is Kaitaia at 110km. It is best to load provisions in the Pack & Save or Countdown, and if you need gas bottles for cooking you can stop by the Warehouse. All of them in this city. Here there is also a public library where you can recharge your devices and take advantage of your Wi-Fi. We also advise you to put gas to the brim before embarking on the road to the cape, although in the middle of the road there is a small gas station, prevention is better than cure.
Where to sleep?
We did it at the DOC Tapatupotu campsite It is an idyllic place, on a beach from which to see spectacular sunrises. There are several bathrooms 24 hours, snack with several tables and showers with cold water. At one end a small river flows where you can bathe without damn currents. It costs 6 dollars per person and night to deposit in the boxes checked by the ranger. We were two nights and the ranger only came the first one, luckily we had paid 🙂
