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Maori know the very top of
the North Island of New Zealand as Te Hiku o te Ika a Maui - the tail of
the fish of Maui. According to tradition, the North Island was once a
giant fish pulled out of the sea by Maui from his canoe. Wellington
(bottom of the island) forms the head of the fish, and the tip of the
fish's tail is Cape Reinga.
Cape Reinga with it's lonely
lighthouse gnarled, twisted pohutukawa tree and windswept cliff tops, is a
mystical place of rugged beauty. Here you can also see the turbulent
waters of where two mighty oceans meet (Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea).
Self Drive
You can drive to Cape Reinga but the road is unsealed for the last 20kms. You
can also drive to the Cape via Ninety Mile Beach, though this is
NOT RECOMMENDED for private vehicles - due to hidden holes, large tides
and quicksand, not to mention wild horses! Also rental car on the beach
are NOT be covered by insurance.
Guided
The best way to see Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach is with a
knowledgeable guide on one of the excellent 4WD or coach tours.
Experience the exhilarating trip along 90 Mile Beach, see all the
highlights and learn the history and legends of the Far North along the
way.
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CAPE REINGA
How
to get there:
Located on State Highway 1 at the very top of the North Island of New
Zealand, Cape Reinga is approximately 3.5 hours north of the Bay of
Islands and 2.5 hours from Kaitaia.
Click here for map
There are a
number of excellent 4WD and bus tours that depart daily from Kaitaia, Paihia and other
locations. |
