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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -34.43020, 172.68164. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 800 m one way
- Walking time
- 10 min
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua / Te Paki Recreation Reserve
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Enjoy outstanding panoramic views and pay respect to a site steeped in Māori tradition on a short stroll to an iconic lighthouse – it's suitable for children and buggies. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
This DOC directory entry covers Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua Lighthouse Walk in Northland, within Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua / Te Paki Recreation Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 800 m one way
- Walking time: 10 min
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
Walk a short distance from the carpark to the lighthouse to experience outstanding views of the Northern Coast. The track may not be suitable for all wheelchair users because it has steep sections.
Barriers are installed on the lighthouse track to prevent unwanted access by motorised vehicles. Be aware the gap between the bollards is 860 mm with a need to turn at a right angle. This might affect some wheelchair access. If you require access, contact Ngāti Kuri Facilities Services Helpdesk by phoning 0800 TE PAKI (0800 837 254) or emailing campgrounds@ngatikuri.iwi.nz.
To the west Cape Maria Van Dieman and Motuopao Island, to the east is Piwhane/Spirits Bay and Hikurua/de Serville Cliffs, the North Island's most northern point.
Offshore, you can witness the immense power of two mighty oceans merging. The currents of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet in a foaming swell of broken water over the Columbia Bank. At times, the churning waves erupt in explosions of spray and spume. On a clear day you might be lucky enough to see the Three Kings Islands on the distant horizon.
Getting there
Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua is located at the northernmost area of New Zealand, approximately 111 km north of Kaitaia.
Follow State Highway 1 north to Waitiki Landing, continuing another 20 km to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua.
Cape Reinga Road gets very busy over the summer months. Drive slowly and take extra caution.
Know before you go
Cultural protocol for visiting Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga
Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua is a highly significant place for Māori. There are tikanga (cultural protocols) for visiting here. Please do not eat any food at Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua. It is fine to drink water.
If you wish to eat, Tapotupotu is a nice alternative. It is 5-10 min drive on a gravel road, with toilets available.
People sometimes wish to bury or scatter the ashes of their loved ones at Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua. As the cape is a sacred site, this is not culturally appropriate. It is a lovely place to remember people who have passed, but please do not bury or scatter any ashes here.
No camping is permitted
No camping is allowed at Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua. The nearest campground is at Tapotupotu and is managed by local Iwi Ngāti Kuri. Bookings are required at Tapotupotu Campsite – read about the campsite and make a booking here.
Stay on the track, leave pets at home, and take your rubbish with you
There are no rubbish bins at Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, so take all rubbish away with you. No pets are allowed, including no dogs.
The area around the lighthouse and track has steep drop-offs, stay on the paved track and viewing area at all times and mind children.
Visit off-peak for a quieter experience
Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua gets very busy in late December-early January and in the middle of the day (11 am-3 pm). If you wish to explore the area with fewer other visitors present, we recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon. Gates are closed to the car park between 8.30pm and 7am.
Weather forecast
Be ready for windy weather – the cape is very exposed, the weather changes fast and strong wind is common.
Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua weather forecast – NIWA website
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
