Our general Campervan Plan was a total circuit of New Zealand, so first on the agenda was making it as far north as possible. This in mind, on our third day of driving we made it to Cape Reinga – the northernmost point in New Zealand.
On top of the geographical significance, this place is also the most spiritually significant part of New Zealand (or Aoteroa) for the Maori people. According to legend, spirits of the dead pass by this point on their way to the afterlife. In fact, the word “Reinga” actually translates to “underworld” in the Maori language.
This is also the point where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet, and you can actually see a line in the water where the two collide.
Cape Reinga is also the starting point for the Te Araroa trail, a walking path which goes all the way down to New Zealand’s southernmost point. Starting from a historic lighthouse, you follow a track with breathtaking views over windswept cliffs high above the sea. We only hiked down to the beach here, but we plan to go all the way down south in our van!
1 Comment