Cape Rēinga & 90 Mile Beach – Journey to the Far North

At the very tip of Aotearoa – New Zealand lies a region of wild beauty and deep cultural meaning. Cape Rēinga / Te Rerenga Wairua and 90 Mile Beach / Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē are the crown jewels of Te Tai Tokerau – Northland, drawing visitors who want to stand at the edge of the land and witness the meeting of oceans. From sacred traditions to windswept dunes, this is a journey that combines adventure, history, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Cape Rēinga / Te Rerenga Wairua

The spiritual and geographical pinnacle of Northland, Cape Rēinga — Te Rerenga Wairua — is one of the most significant places in Aotearoa. Here the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide, their swirling currents visible from the headland.

According to Māori tradition, this place marks the departing point for the spirits of the dead. At the edge of the cliff stands a gnarled pōhutukawa tree, believed to be the place from which spirits descend into the sea to begin their journey back to Hawaiki, the ancestral homeland. The name Te Rerenga Wairua translates as “the leaping-off place of spirits.”

The white Cape Rēinga lighthouse, built in 1941, now stands as a guiding beacon and one of New Zealand’s most photographed icons. The short walk to the lighthouse is easy and accessible, offering sweeping views of ocean, headland and sky. Visitors are asked to remember the site’s tapu (sacred) status and to show respect by not eating or drinking on the grounds.

Travel Tips

• 📍 Location: Far north of the Aupōuri Peninsula, about 2.5 hrs drive from Kaitaia, 4.5–5 hrs from Paihia or Whangārei
• 🚗 Access: Sealed roads to the Cape Rēinga carpark; 90 Mile Beach itself is an official highway, but self-driving is not recommended due to tides and soft sand
• 🚗 Driving: If you’re driving yourself, fill up with petrol/diesel in Kaitaia before heading north. Stock up on snacks and drinks too — there are a few places for kai (food) along the way, but they are far and few between
• 🚍 Tours: For those without a vehicle, full-day tours run from the Bay of Islands (Paihia/Russell). It’s a big day out, but includes Cape Rēinga, 90 Mile Beach and Te Paki Sand Dunes — a fantastic way to see the Far North without the stress of driving
• 🚶 Walk: Easy 10–15 min sealed path from carpark to the Cape Rēinga lighthouse (suitable for most fitness levels)
• 🕒 Time to spend:
  • Cape Rēinga — allow 45–60 mins
  • 90 Mile Beach + dunes — half a day to a full day depending on activities
• 🏖️ Activities: Photography, walking, surfcasting, guided bus tours, sandboarding
• ⚠️ Tips: Bring water, sun protection and windproof clothing; show respect at Cape Rēinga (no food or drink on the sacred grounds)

Ninety Mile Beach / Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē

Running along the western edge of the Aupōuri Peninsula, 90 Mile Beach stretches for an incredible 88 kilometres. Known to Māori as Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē, this vast expanse of sand is more than just a natural wonder — it holds deep cultural significance as part of ancient travel routes and Far North traditions.

Today it’s a place of both reflection and recreation. Walk the endless sands, cast a line surfcasting or join a guided bus tour that drives directly along the beach. While the beach is officially a highway, conditions change quickly, so self-driving is not recommended. Let the experts handle it while you soak in the views.

Travel Tips

• 📍 Location: Western edge of the Aupōuri Peninsula, north of Kaitaia
• 🚗 Driving: If you’re driving north, you’ll likely miss 90 Mile Beach unless you veer off to the coast. Driving on the beach is not recommended unless you have a 4×4 and know the tides well — conditions can change quickly and strand vehicles
• 🚍 Tours: Guided bus tours run from Kaitaia or the Bay of Islands and drive directly on the beach — the safest and most fun way to experience it
• 🐟 Activities: Walking, photography, surfcasting, and bus tours
• ⏰ Time to spend: Half a day if visiting on its own; a full day if combining with Cape Rēinga

Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes

Just inland from the northern tip of 90 Mile Beach, the Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes rise like golden mountains against the coast. These dunes can tower over 100 metres high and create a thrilling playground for visitors of all ages.

Grab a sandboard at the base (easy to hire onsite), climb to the top and launch yourself down the steep slopes — it’s pure exhilaration and laughter guaranteed. For those who’d rather take it slow, simply walking the ridgelines offers spectacular views back toward the coast.

Travel Tips

• 📍 Location: Just inland from the northern end of 90 Mile Beach
• 🚗 Access: Parking area at the base of the dunes (look for hire vans for boards)
• 🏂 Activities: Sandboarding, sledding, hiking the ridgelines for coastal views
• ⏰ Time to spend: 1–2 hours for boarding fun; allow more if combining with Cape Rēinga and 90 Mile Beach
• ⚠️ Tip: Bring water, sunscreen and good energy — the climb up is steep, but the ride down is worth it!