Cape Reinga Lighthouse
Cape Reinga Lighthouse
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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- deborahbC3444RB327 contributionsawe inspiringStunning ....amazing....breathtaking views from the tip of the peninsular. The walking track to the Lighthouse and outlook is sealed and an easy walk with places to stop and enjoy the view along the way. This is a very spiritual place for Maori and the ancient pohutukawa tree growing in a place where it has survived against the odds of a hark coastal environment is a reminder of the spiritual belief that the spirits of all Maori after death travel up the coast to this tree. The area around the lighthouse was being rejuvenated so the actual lighthouse was behind a barrier. Here you can see the Pacific Ocean meeting the Tasman Sea which provided some swirling ocean currents. You need to ensure you bring water and food etc with you when you venture to this attraction.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 November 2023
- Jill K36 contributionsA Highlight of New ZealandThis was my very first time to Cape Reinga and it was well worth the drive. The walk to the lighthouse is very pleasant and nicely graded. The views are spectacular in every direction. The lighthouse is very photogenic and there are information boards to tell you more about the area. We also did some of the walks down to beaches in the area. One of the walks is the northern end of the Te Araroa Trail. Definitely a highlight of a trip to New Zealand.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 March 2024
- Dennis KOzark, Missouri16 contributionsFlight to Cape ReingaWe did the half day flight out of Kerikeri airport to a grass strip close to Cape Reinga and then a short drive to the lighthouse parking. The hike down to the lighthouse was easy and the lighthouse is an interesting landmark. The hike back up to the parking (800 meters) was quite challenging but doable. Definitely would recommend the flight option instead of an all day drive.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 March 2024
- shekharNew Delhi, India785 contributionsGreat ExperienceWe drove for almost 8hrs from Auckland to watch sunrise at this place. Its majestic place and quite windy and chilly out here. You must wear sufficient winter clothing to save yourself from chill. After sunrise you can walk down to light house and beach. A quite place with great view for photography.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 April 2024
- allaboardWhangarei, New Zealand19 contributionsWorth the tripFinally made the journey to the cape after far too many years of meaning to! So worth the journey. There is a magic remote feeling quite unique to this gorgeous spot. Parking was plentiful, as were loos.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 2 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,019 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
195
Average
28
Poor
4
Terrible
3
pd NZ
14 contributions
Apr 2021
Well worth the visit as it is a special part of NZ for all New Zealanders.
We travelled from Kerikeri in our own car so a good 2½hr drive with a stop at Coopers Beach on the way up. Once at the carpark there is a very good sealed pathway down to the lighthouse which takes about 10 mins but allow more time to stop and read the very good informative panels telling the spiritual and geological stories of this special place.
Would recommend taking a picnic especially if it is a good day so you can appreciate where you are so much more. Also there are many other walks to do from the carpark which vary in length and difficulty.
Do stop and take the time to sit and to look out to sea and appreciate how amazing NZ really is!
We travelled from Kerikeri in our own car so a good 2½hr drive with a stop at Coopers Beach on the way up. Once at the carpark there is a very good sealed pathway down to the lighthouse which takes about 10 mins but allow more time to stop and read the very good informative panels telling the spiritual and geological stories of this special place.
Would recommend taking a picnic especially if it is a good day so you can appreciate where you are so much more. Also there are many other walks to do from the carpark which vary in length and difficulty.
Do stop and take the time to sit and to look out to sea and appreciate how amazing NZ really is!
Written 10 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob H
Mississauga, Canada17,948 contributions
Feb 2020
My wife and I visited the Cape Reinga Lighthouse at the tip of the North Island. The views were fantastic and spectacular. The water here is where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean.
The lighthouse was built in 1941 and replaced the Cape Maria Van Diemen lighthouse which was built in 1879. In 1987, the lighthouse became fully automated and the on-site lighthouse keepers were withdrawn. The lighthouse is now monitored remotely from Wellington.
The lighthouse was built in 1941 and replaced the Cape Maria Van Diemen lighthouse which was built in 1879. In 1987, the lighthouse became fully automated and the on-site lighthouse keepers were withdrawn. The lighthouse is now monitored remotely from Wellington.
Written 6 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lippyaker
Canberra, Australia11 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
To stand in misty silence and think of all the spirits making their way north is eerily awakening. As the mist parted the views of the coastline and mixing of the Tasman and Pacific Waters were astounding. Northland and New Zealand are rich in spiritual and sacred places; I feel privileged to have experienced these places. We nearly didn’t visit because of the return journey over the same road, I am glad we decided on a whim and our experience was far more greater than anticipated.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
F M
4 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Completely stunning place, you enter through a beautiful portal and walk on a winding path to the Lighthouse.
I, a NZ'er, was really angry to see tourists ignoring the signs that said "no food to be taken past the portal entrance", blatantly chowing & leaving their rubbish in this sacred place, and the tourists (off a bus - the tour operators should tell them to behave!) Graffitti-ing their names etc on the timber retaining walls beside the path to the Lighthouse. This is a special place & needs to be respected.
I, a NZ'er, was really angry to see tourists ignoring the signs that said "no food to be taken past the portal entrance", blatantly chowing & leaving their rubbish in this sacred place, and the tourists (off a bus - the tour operators should tell them to behave!) Graffitti-ing their names etc on the timber retaining walls beside the path to the Lighthouse. This is a special place & needs to be respected.
Written 2 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry-Hodgkinson-Tao-Journeys
Toronto, Canada199 contributions
Dec 2019
Māori believe that Cape Rēinga is where the dead depart for their final journey and I have no idea if that's true or not but I can say there is a wondrous feeling at this tip, where a white lighthouse looks out over where two oceans (Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean) converge.
You can simply stand up where the lighthouse is and admire the view from there or you can take many different trails and hike down to the oceans even camp along the way. Just bring a sweater if you are staying up by the lighthouse, it can get really windy and sometimes depending on the weather chilly.
You can simply stand up where the lighthouse is and admire the view from there or you can take many different trails and hike down to the oceans even camp along the way. Just bring a sweater if you are staying up by the lighthouse, it can get really windy and sometimes depending on the weather chilly.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lagi L
Manukau, New Zealand9 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
My mother, sisters and i fully enjoyed our day tour of the 90 mile beach, Cape Reinga Lighthouse, Te Paki sand dunes. Youie was so professional and pro the best commentator/tour guide i’ve ever come across. Will definitely recommend this tour to anyone of all ages as Youie has you covered and entertained from pickup to dropoff. So happy i can tick this off my bucket list!
Written 10 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jevb2015
Hertford, UK7 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Not worth 11 hour coach trip. More time spent on coach than anything else. Picked up just after 7 am and back at hotel after 6.30 pm, spent about 3.5 off the coach, the rest was travelling a truly awful trip, would not recommend wasting your money
Written 13 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apolonia70
adelaide2,246 contributions
Mar 2023
The views here are breathtaking and spectacular. On a clear blue sky day the views are beyond perfect. The lighthouse isnt the only feature here. To reach it from the carpark is a walk that requires some effort - some steep sections but the path is sealed and safe to use. The lighthouse sits on culturally significant land - Maori mythology and history is depicted with art and info boards. A long drive to reach from Paihia but worth the effort.
Written 14 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken H
Ipswich, UK1,076 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Well worth the journey to see this important Māori area. Take a tour bus and you'll get so much more out of the trip ... and someone else does the driving. This northern headland is as dramatic as it is stunning. You can clearly see where the Pacific and the Tasman seas meet. From the car park its an easy walk down to the light house with many information boards on the way. We enjoyed the first beautiful day after Cyclone Hale but boy was it windy there - hold on to your hat and wear sunscreen.
Written 11 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Truus B
Wongaling Beach, Australia467 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
It's a long drive but very scenic! Not many places to stop for a coffee but we did find an excellent pie van on the way home. Parking at the light house can be a problem because of the crowds. Lots of good walks or long hikes.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If our chihuahua is on a leash can we just view the lighthouse?
Written 22 April 2021
Hi, we are thinking of hiring a camper van during the September school holidays and do a tour of the Northland area including Cape Reinga. My question is is it easy to park and turn around a average size camper van,and we've heard that quite a few tourists (pre COVID 19) have had items go missing from there vehicles whilst parked in the parking area? Is there any type security measures in the parking area: i.e. securty camers??
Cheers
Written 5 July 2020
Sorry for the delay. The carpark is literally at the end of the road and you can get easy access in a camper van, on sealed roads. I have also heard about stealing from cars, so keep it looked and valuable items out of sight. The carpark is on the top of the hill and the best sights are quite some distance from the carpark, so you can't visit properly without losing sight of your vehicle.
Written 10 August 2020
Fine for wheelchairs and strollers but note some areas are quite sloped and there is an incline for the walk back up to the carpark area.
Written 26 April 2021
How long was the tour? Would love to be there for the sunset. You recommend using Fuller's? I am planning on visiting NZ 2017.
Written 4 October 2016
The above review is very consistent as to what is today a year later.
Written 26 March 2018
Do you recommend a proper tour of Cape Regina / 90 miles beach or can one do it themselves?
Written 4 October 2016
Hi Angela, sorry for the late reply. I think I would recommend a tour as I am sure there is lots to tell, a lot of Maori stories etc. Quite hard to do it yourself and also this area is very excluded, not a bad idea to get together with a group and explore with someone who knows the area well.
Good luck & thank you for the question!!
Written 14 October 2016
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