Cape Reinga, Te Paki and its suroundings | New Zealand photography
Cape Reinga is the northwesternmost tip of the Aupouri Peninsula, at the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand. State Highway 1 extends all the way to the Cape, but until 2010 was unsealed gravel road for the last 19km. Suitable 4wd vehicles can also travel much of the way via Ninety Mile Beach and Te Paki stream bed.
The name of the cape comes from the Māori word 'Reinga', meaning the 'Underworld'. It refers to the Māori belief that the cape is the point where the spirits of the dead enter the underworld. Cape Reinga is generally considered the separation marker between the Tasman Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. From the lighthouse it is possible to watch the tidal race, as the two seas clash to create unsettled waters just off the coast. The cape is often mistakenly thought of as being the northernmost point of the North Island, and thus, of mainland New Zealand. However, North Cape's Surville Cliffs, 30 km east of Cape Reinga, are slightly further north. Another headland just to the west of Cape Reinga is Cape Maria van Diemen, which was discovered and named by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. The lighthouse at Cape Reinga was built in 1941 and first lit during May of that year, replacing a lighthouse located on nearby Motuopao Island.
Te Paki is one of the most intact and diverse ecosystems in New Zealand. Extending from coastal dunes and wetlands, through extensive shrublands to tall forest, Te Paki provides habitats for a wide range of native plants and animals, all moulded together to create a unique and dynamic area. There are also nice walking tracks.
Sandboarding and tobogganing are awesome fun, great activity that we can recommend. Climb to the top of Te Paki’s giant sand-dunes and feel the adrenaline rush as you surf down these golden sandy giants! Usually performed at high speed, it is a high adrenalin activity. You can hire a send board in the holiday park and motel accommodation in Waitiki Landing.
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