Daytrip to Cape Reinga

by Cyril · 2015-09-26

The day started early with a different bus for our trip to the northern most point of New Zealand – Cape Reinga.

The other bus was necessary as we went on a drive over 90 mile beach (which is only a little bit more than 50 miles actually). And 4 wheel drive definitely is a must here. After a short stop at the water and a drive-by of an old rotting whale carcass we made our way to another part to do some sandboarding.
Soandboarding translates to grabbing a board the size of your upper body, walk up a dune, breast on board and going down the steep side of the dune headfirst.
Quite fun until you reach the bottom because there is a definite change in direction which you are going to feel. And then you should try to stop before the small stream or you’re going to be wet.

Next stop is the actual Cape Reinga. This is not only the northern most point in NZ you can reach by car but also the place where the pacific and the indian ocean meet.
To add some religious significance: It’s also the place where the souls of the deceased Maori are supposed to descend into the water after coming all the way up 90 Mile beach and going on to the afterlife.