History of Cape Reinga
Historic heritage topics:
For Māori Cape Reinga is the most spiritually significant place in New Zealand.
An ancient pohutukawa tree and a lonely lighthouse mark this special place.
It is here that after death, all Māori spirits travel up the coast and over the wind-swept vista to the pohutukawa tree on the headland of Te Rerenga Wairua.
Cape Reinga and Spirits Leap
They descend into the underworld (reinga) by sliding down a root into the sea below. The spirits then travel underwater to the Three Kings Islands where they climb out onto Ohaua, the highest point of the islands and bid their last farewell before returning to the land of their ancestors, Hawaiiki-A-Nui.
The lighthouse, which was originally located on Motuopao Island, was re-erected at Cape Reinga in 1941. It has become an iconic landmark and is often the first New Zealand light that sailors see.
The iconic lighthouse
Over the years it must have stirred emotions in tens of thousands of immigrants arriving by sea.
Cape Reinga today
Cape Reinga has become a popular tourist destination visited by over 150,000 visitors annually.
From the car park a short walking track leads down to the lighthouse.
From here there are outstanding views of the ocean, the Three Kings Islands, and Cape Maria Van Diemen.