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Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga - click for more.
The northern tip of the North Island has great spiritual significance for Maori people
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At the northwestern tip of the North Island, Cape Reinga is a place of intense cultural and spiritual significance to Maori. The ancient pohutukawa tree that clings to the cliffs is the reinga, 'the place of leaping'. According to Maori folklore, the spirits of the dead leap off the headland and descend down the roots of the tree into the underworld to return to their traditional homeland of Hawaiiki. This tree is believed to be about 800 years and is said to have never blossomed.

The lighthouse at Cape Reinga is a New Zealand scenic icon. Built in 1941, it replaced a lighthouse which was located on nearby Motuopao Island. The light flashes every 12 seconds and can be seen for 19 nautical miles.

If you look north from the cape, you’ll see where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide. Even on calm days, the water is in turmoil as currents fight to gain dominance over each other.
 

 
NORTHLAND Region

More Information

Find out more about this location on Te Ara - the online encyclopaedia of New Zealand.

Contact Details

Contact: Far North i-SITE Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 9 4080 879
Fax: +64 9 4082 546
Postal: Centennial Park, South Road KAITAIA
Website: www.visitnorthland.co.nz

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Cape Reinga is the closest town to this highlight.

In Cape Reinga:

Other towns near Cape Reinga by road:

Other towns near Cape Reinga by rail:

Cape Reinga does not have any rail stations.

Other towns near Cape Reinga by air:

Cape Reinga does not have scheduled passenger air services.

The nearest airport is in Kaitaia (101 minutes)

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