Cape Reinga – The End of the World

Driving along the Aupouri Peninsula to the northern-most tip of New Zealand definitely feels like driving to the end of the world: it is 22 km of dirt and gravel, with the Tasman Sea visible on the left, the Pacific Ocean on the right.

The Maori, New Zealand’s native people, believe in legend that Cape Reinga is where the spirits of the dead depart to the Underworld. This is easy to believe, after seeing the chaos that takes place here.

It is off this point of land, which is now looked over by a lighthouse, that the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet, head on, in fairly shallow waters. It is said that in stormy weather waves up to 10m (30 feet) high are generated!


It was a fairly calm day when we were there, but the wind was fierce and the crashing of the waves against each other mesmerizing. Sunset was a great time to be there – all the tour buses had long since departed and couples were able to share a few quiet moments together.


As the sun sets, this northern sentinel lights up to protect the fishermen who venture into these tumultuous waters.