Located on the very northern tip of New Zealand, a Cape Reinga road trip feels like a visit to the edge of the world. When you look out onto the chaotic Tasman Sea and feel the wild winds against your face, you’ll understand why.
It’s a magical place and well worth the hype it gets.
Myself and another backpacker made our way to Cape Reinga from Paihia one windy August morning. It slowly turned into a multi day trip when we decided to make a few stops along the way. We saw pristine white beaches, mesmerizing sunsets, and piles of sand as far as the eye can see.
Despite being on the losing side of a race against some intense rain clouds, it was an awesome excursion. I thought the best way to share it would be an article about some of the coolest spots we stopped at.
Here are 6 places that will make your Cape Reinga road trip an unforgettable experience!
Ahipara and Shipwreck Bay
Ahipara is a tiny town at the bottom of the neverending 90 Mile Beach. It’s a place I quickly grew to appreciate for its chilled out vibes and spectacular water.
If you aren’t on a strict schedule, I suggest spending a night or two in one of the beachside lodges. The whole town is essentially guesthouses and coastal homes, with a few takeaway restaurants and a cafe mixed in. It’s a perfect place to relax and recharge in between all the sightseeing the Northland offers. Plus, it has one of my favorite hostels in all of New Zealand!
Aptly named the Endless Summer Lodge, the accommodation is just steps away from the ocean. I spent hours sitting on the front patio staring at the colorful sunset and listening to crashing waves.
I can’t mention Ahipara without also talking about Shipwreck Bay. This little slice of New Zealand coast is one of the best spots for surfing in the country. Unsurprisingly, it’s named after a rusty mess of a boat that can occasionally be seen sticking out of the sea. It’s just 5 minutes down the road from Ahipara and has a superb left hand break.
Don’t have a board? You can rent one from the Endless Summer Lodge and hit up the legendary surf break!
The closest supermarket is the PAK’nSAVE in Kaitaia. If you’re looking to cook your own food, make sure to stop there on the way to Ahipara.
Te Paki Sand Dunes
The Te Paki Sand Dunes look like a giant mountain range of sand. They’re also an essential stop on a Cape Reinga road trip. It’s wild to see the massive dunes pop up after driving through the green tropical landscape in the north.
When you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re in a desert, or on a sci-fi planet like Arrakis. Don’t worry though, you won’t run into any giant sand worms! All kidding aside, the enormity and appeal of the sand dunes is very movie-like.
The main draw here is the possibility to sandboard down the high slopes. On the road up, you’ll find multiple signs pointing in the direction of board rentals. If you’re looking for something adventurous, I suggest giving it a go. The thrill of racing down a heap of sand is something that leaves an everlasting impression.
Besides extreme sports, the Te Paki Sand Dunes offer ridiculously beautiful views of the Tasman Sea. It will take climbing up the constantly shifting sands, but the sight of deep blue waters in the distance is something special. You’ll feel like you’re conquering some unreal obstacle as your feet sink into the hillside and your hair whips in the wind!
Rarawa Beach
North of Pukenui and just off State Highway 1 is the beautiful Rarawa Beach. Think ultra white sands and bright turquoise waters.
If you’ve never experienced a silica sand beach, you’re in for a treat. It’s a soft and silky feeling on the feet and every step comes with a noticeable squeak. If you’ve ever used a squeegee you’ll know exactly what sound I’m talking about!
However, I should note that the ocean along the coast here can have nasty rips. That’s not to say you can’t go for a swim, just be aware of the currents. I only ended up dipping my toes in, but I was also there in the winter when the water was at its coldest. Despite this, the beach is worth a visit anytime of the year. There’s a campsite close by and the views are magnificent.
The best part about Rarawa Beach though, is the vast emptiness of it. When I visited, there were only a handful of other people. I ran around on the fine sand making rubber duckie sounds with every stride, not worrying about bumping into anyone!
The Rainbow Warrior Memorial and Matauri Bay
While the name might suggest a shrine dedicated to a historic fighter, the Rainbow Warrior Memorial is actually a monument for a Greenpeace protest ship.
In 1985, French government agents blew up the boat in Auckland Harbor. It was their way of trying to sabotage the Greenpeace campaign against nuclear testing in the Pacific Ocean. Soon after, the sculptor Chris Booth was tasked with creating the unique memorial.
It stands on a hill overlooking the stunning Matauri Bay and is a nice stopover for a swim and some history. I found myself sitting here for about an hour, gazing out at the bright blue ocean and the aesthetically pleasing islands.
The Rainbow Warrior Memorial on our way to Cape Reinga
When you’re done, head down to Matauri Bay and go for a swim or surf. If you enjoy the panoramic views from the hill or picturesque bay, you can spend the night at the adjacent holiday park.
The Puketi Forest Kauri Walk
The kauri walk, located about 30 minutes from Kerikeri, is a short but sweet trip through the formidable Puketi Forest. It’s a quick walk, maybe 15 to 20 minutes, but you’ll have the chance to see one of New Zealand’s most iconic trees – the kauri tree!
They are truly magnificent, reaching heights of up to 50 meters and growing as wide as a car. To see one is like looking into the country’s ancient past. The behemoths live over 2000 years but are currently facing the threat of a disease. So, make sure you stay on the path and read the signs about proper trekking etiquette.
Wandering through the chilly forest and feeling like you’re in a Jurassic Park movie (without the dinosaurs!) is definitely worth the detour.
Rainbow Falls In KeriKeri
If you’re staying in Kerikeri, you can see the Rainbow Falls on another day. However, if Paihia is your base, the waterfall walk is worth adding onto your Cape Reinga road trip.
The rainbow is prominent when looking at the waterfall from above.
The main highlight is none other than a 27 meter tall waterfall that crashes into a pool below. When the sunlight hits the mist from the descending water, a rainbow forms for all to see. It’s a captivating spectacle, especially when the rapids are at full strength.
There are two parts to the Rainbow Falls, the upper and the lower. When you walk up towards the top of the waterfall, there’s a set of viewpoints where the rainbow is both thick and vibrant. The bottom tends to be more crowded, but you can have a swim in the refreshing pool. During warmer days, it’s nice to find a seat and let the mist engulf you while you admire a natural phenomenon.
There you have it, 6 places to see on your way to New Zealand’s most accessible northern point. I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed my journey to Cape Reinga, but I’ll try and put it all into one simple sentence. Pack up your car, crank some tunes, and have an unbelievable road trip!
