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.
Another backpacker and I 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 12 places that will make your Northland road trip to Cape Reinga an unforgettable experience!
Cape Reinga
I mean, this is a bit obvious, but I have to mention it!
Almost every Northland road trip will end at the epic northern point of Cape Reinga. This might just be my favorite nature spot in New Zealand, and it all starts with how untamed the “End of the World” feels.
I’ll keep this section short because I’ve covered this in more detail in my ‘Cape Reinga‘ post.
What I will say, though, is that even if there’s a downpour, it’s still worth walking down to the Cape Reinga lighthouse. The rains don’t last long here, and views of the rough sea are breathtaking from this area.
Make sure to stop and read the signs, too. There are a lot of interesting tidbits about Maori culture and local wildlife on them.
Tapotupotu Bay
If you need to camp somewhere for the night, then Tapotupotu Bay is one of the best spots in the area.
The secluded campsite sits just east of Cape Reinga along a beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. While you might not want to swim in the chilly waters of Tapotupotu Beach, it does offer some soft white sands to wander across.
Plus, there are public toilets, which is a bonus this far up north.
If you’re feeling adventurous, a trail to the west leads up the rugged coastline towards the cape. Or if you don’t mind the cold, you can catch some of the rolling waves that come into the bay.
Ahipara and Shipwreck Bay
Ahipara is a tiny town at the bottom of the never-ending 90 Mile Beach. It’s a place I quickly grew to appreciate for its chill-out vibes and spectacular waves.
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.
Where to Stay | Endless Summer Lodge (Budget-Friendly) / Mokorau Apartments – The Mukies (Apartments) / Ahipara TOP 10 Holiday Park (Family-Friendly)
Ninety Mile Beach
After getting a taste of Ninety Mile Beach in Ahipara, you’re sure to want to explore a little more of it.
I mean, you could spend days just enjoying the beach here, especially considering there are places to stay like Huakatere Lodge, the Bluff Campsite, and Ngapae Holiday Park. With that being said, the thing to do here is drive your vehicle on the beach.
It’s truly something special, especially with the crashing waves alongside you!
While there are a handful of entry points for cars onto the beach, the most popular is probably the Waipapakauri Ramp Ninety Mile Beach Access.
If you’re unsure how your vehicle will do, this is a decent spot, since there are usually others around. So in a pinch, you’ll be able to ask someone for help.
Where to Stay | Ocean Dunes Retreat – Sauna & Spa (Four Bedroom House)
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 are 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 at any time 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.
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.
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.
Where to Stay | Matauri Bay Retreat – The Shearer’s Cottage (Coastal Cottage)
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 for 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.
Tane Mahuta Forest Walk
Honestly, it’s hard not to stop when you see a little walk along the side of the road. That’s what brings us to Tane Mahuta.
A short but delightful trek through the forest leads to one of the most ancient kauri trees in New Zealand.
Tane Mahuta, or “The Lord of the Forest,” is an absolute beast of a tree. It’s said to have grown from seedlings around 2000 years ago, but that can’t be accurately measured. No matter how you put it, though, it’s commonly seen as the largest living kauri tree in the country. At least that’s what the sign says!
Just down the road is another forest walk to Te Matua Ngahere.
Paihia
Paihia is one of my favorite places in New Zealand, so it would haunt me to leave it out of this list. It’s also a place I think deserves a couple of nights in.
There’s quite a bit to do here, including Paihia Beach, ferrying across to Russell to spend an afternoon, hiking up to the Opua Forest Lookout, and heading over to Haruru Falls.
But the most important thing, and something I’d consider a must if you can muster it, is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Te Rau Aroha Museum. This is the site where the British Crown and the Maori people signed their first accord.
It’s pretty informative here, with options for cultural performances, guided tours, and other historical exhibits.
Where to Stay | Peppertree Lodge (Budget-Friendly Hostel) / Pioneer Waterfront Apartments (Coastal Apartments) / Rayya Suites (Modern Studios & Apartments)
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 to your Northland road trip.
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.
Where to Stay | Relax a Lodge (Dorms & Cottages) / Kauri Park Motel (Motel Rooms) / Avalon Resort (Self-Catering Cottages)
Ōmāpere and the Koutu Boulders
Ōmāpere is one of those places that sneaks up on you. You could easily drive past and think it’s no more than a nice coastal town, but if you stay for a short while, you’ll find some lovely spots.
The most iconic thing to do here is to see the Koutu Boulders. If you missed out on seeing the Moeraki Boulders on the South Island, then you’ll want to add these to your Northland road trip.
The spherical rocks are just super unique.
You’ll want to make sure you visit during low tide, though, as the higher the water, the less likely you are to see one of them.
When you’re done at Koutu Beach, you can head back towards Ōmāpere for some more sights.
The Manea Footprints of Kupe are a great spot for those wanting a cultural experience. You might need to book in advance, though.
Arai te Uru Nature Reserve has nice coastal walking, and the Pakia Hill Lookout offers some beautiful views of the ocean and beach.
Where to Stay | Hokianga Haven (Coastal Studio) / Opononi Bliss (Cozy Home) Waiotemarama Falls Lodge (Inland House)
There you have it, 12 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 to put it all into one simple sentence. Pack up your car, crank some tunes, and have an unbelievable Northland road trip!
