How to Have the BEST Cape Reinga Day Trip
Not to be missed experience when visiting the Far North of New Zealand, is to visit Te Rerenga Wairua or Cape Reinga
Added to this, the ocean's meeting creating rough water most days The power of the oceans meeting, the never ending ocean is remarkable.
Experience the Magic of Te Rerenga Wairua
For Māori, Cape Reinga is the most spiritually significant place in New Zealand. An ancient pohutukawa tree and a lonely lighthouse mark this special place. It is here that after death, all Māori spirits travel up the coast and over the wind-swept vista to the pohutukawa tree on the headland of Te Rerenga Wairua or the Leaping Place of Spirits.
Many seek to experience this spiritually significant place.
Added to this, the ocean's meeting creating rough water most days The power of the oceans meeting, the never ending ocean is remarkable.
A great experience awaits if you walk from the car park to the lighthouse. This is about 1 km. A photo from here is a key marker for your Far North Roadtrip.
The lighhouse is also a highlight of the Araroa Trail, where you can walk the length of New Zealand There is a 3 day hike across the top of NZ with a hike from North Cape, to Tapotupotu and up to Te Rerenga Wairua and on to Te Werahi, Cape Maria Van Diemen or to Tapotupotu. Or if you are pushed for time, walk for a couple of hours from Tapotupotu to the Cape.
Te Paki Stream and Sand Dunes
Marvel at the sand dunes and the adventurous and dare devils can slide down the sand dunes on a boogie board (you are welcome to borrow our boards for the day for the family)
Tapotupotu Beach
Huge Ice Creams
A must do experience is to sample a HUGE ice cream at Te Kao Store.
Have a picnic at Tapotupotu or Spirits Bay. Magical Beaches.
Have an adventure driving yourself down the beach, coursing down the sand dunes and have an exciting drive down the quicksand of Te Paki Stream, then along 90 Mile Beach. Be sure to follow the guidelines for driving on quicksand. The major points are: Don't stop, and follow the car or bus tracks in the sand.
Side trips to see Rarawa Beach are worth it. There is weird squeaky sand not to be missed
Don’t forget to pack swimming gear for all these tempting places.
What our other guests have said
No frills, no pretensions. Superbly restful beds, so you'll sleep well. They have just what you need, nothing you don't. Close by, you can find great places to eat. Walk a few metres out your front door, and you're on one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere on Earth. At your...
John Johnson, New Zealand
Wow,wow & wow! My husband & I (& our little poodle) had the pleasure to stay in the Cabana for 4 nights 10/09-13/09. The accommodation was top notch and of course the position was unbeatable. Accommodation that allows pets to be included is often disappointing so Golden Sands is a...
Janet, Trip Advisor
Awesome accommodation! Literally right on the beach, with spectacular views. House sleeps three comfortably and has a pull out couch if needed. Modern furniture with a twist of retro gives the house a warm inviting feel. Fully equipped with a BBQ, outdoor furniture and plenty of parking this is...
Amanda