Cape Reinga

North Island, New Zealand

Although Cape Reinga is not the northernmost point of New Zealand, it is the furthest north that members of the public can drive.¹ At the top of the headland is a lighthouse which stands nearly 1,000 feet above sea level; built in 1941, the lighthouse serves as a warning beacon to ships passing through the turbulent waters where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet offshore.^{2 3}

At the tip of Cape Reinga is a pohutukawa tree estimated to be over 800 years old. According to Māori tradition, the spirits of the deceased jump from that tree to their final resting place. “Reinga” means “leaping place of spirits.”⁴

Next: Cape Sounion

References

1. Cape Reinga. 100% Pure New Zealand. Accessed 11 Dec. 2012.
2. Cape Reinga Lighthouse. Department of Conservation. Accessed 11 Dec. 2012.
3. Cape Reinga. AA Tourism. Accessed 11 Dec. 2012.
4. McLintock, A.H., ed. Reinga, Cape. Te Ara—The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. 23 Apr. 2009. Accessed 11 Dec. 2012.

Published 2018-06-18