Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway

Walking track

Time:  

3-4 days to Te Paki Stream

Distance:  

53 km to Te Paki Stream

Getting there

Cape Reinga and Te Paki are located at the northernmost area of New Zealand on the small, narrow Aupouri Peninsula, approximately 60 km north of Kaitaia. Just follow State Highway 1 north.

From Te Paki onwards, follow Cape Reinga Road.Cape Reinga Road is an unsealed road and gets very busy over the summer months.  Please drive slowly and take extra caution.

You have vehicle access to:
Kapowairua – turn off SH 1 at Waitiki Landing onto Te Hapua Road and then Spirits Bay Road.
Tapotupotu – the turn off from Cape Reinga Road to Tapotupotu is signposted.
Cape Reinga – follow SH1 and Cape Reinga Road until you reach the tar-sealed car park.
Te Paki Stream – turn off Cape Reinga Road at Te Paki onto Te Paki Stream Road.

Description

Stunning views along the Cape Reinga
Coastal Walkway

This stunning coastal walkway traverses a variety of beautiful and unique landforms, and offers spectacular views of the cape region.

The walkway follows the coastline of Te Paki, and runs from Kapowairua / Spirits Bay on the East Coast, past Cape Reinga, Cape Maria van Dieman and Te Paki Stream on the West Coast. From there, you can continue along 90 Mile Beach all the way to Ahipara.

The walkway is made up of interlinking track sections, which lead you across dunes, idyllic beaches, dramatic headlands, swamps filled with birdlife and pasture.  Along the way, you have access to areas of historic and archaeological interest in the Te Paki Farm Park.

You can attempt the whole walkway or choose just one or several track sections that suit your time available, fitness level and areas of interest. Track sections range from 30 minutes to several hours duration.

Track categories vary between Walking Track and Tramping Track. Trampers need to be self-sufficient.

Distance and time: The whole Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway, from Kapowairua, on the East Coast, to Ahipara, on the West Coast, is a total of 133 km long.
Please refer to the descriptions of each individual track section for specific distances and times.

Track sections

Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) - Pandora
Pandora - Tapotupotu Bay
Tapotupotu Bay - Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga - Te Werahi Beach
Te Werahi Beach - Twilight Beach
Twilight Beach - Te Paki Stream

From Te Paki Stream, you can follow the coast along 90-Mile Beach south:

• To the Bluff: 19 km
• To Hukatere: 51 km
• To Waipapakauri: 69 km
• To Ahipara: 83 km

Activities

Opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless, from enjoying the stunning views, bird watching and tramping to all kinds of water sports.

The East Coast is generally more sheltered with sandy bays suitable for water sports and rocky headlands where fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving are popular.

The West Coast is more wild and exposed than the East, with spectacular golden sand dunes.

You can explore the area on your own, or there are a good number of tourism operators offering specially designed tours.

Plan and prepare

Many people choose to start at Kapowairua and tramp to Te Paki Stream making the first days longer and more challenging, and the final day easier going in terms of elevation changes.

You should allow 3 - 4 days for this tramp. For example, a schedule that can work well for people of moderate fitness might look like this:

Day 1 – Kapowairua Campground - Tapotupotu Campground
Time including all breaks: 8 hours. (Alternatively, if this is too challenging, you could extend the tramp and overnight at Pandora)
Day 2 – Tapotupotu Bay - south end of Twilight Beach
Time including all breaks: 9 hours
Day 3 - South end of Twilight Beach to Te Paki Stream
Time: 4 hours

Adequate preparation and equipment are needed if tramping along stretches of beach. Bring all the usual tramping/camping gear. We also suggest taking:

• Tide charts
• Topographical map
• Swimming gear
• Insect repellent (especially in summer)
• Sunscreen/hat/sunglasses
• Camera
• Bring plenty of water (several litres) for drinking as streams may be dried up in summer.  
• Water filter/purification tablets or gas cooker for boiling water

Please note:

• Open fires are not permitted - any time of year - on the Te Paki Reserves and Aupouri Peninsula. -Gas/contained flame cookers are permitted.
• Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted unless by special permit.
• Check with the Department of Conservation Kaitaia for seasonal information and track closures.

Hazards and safety

• Tracks may be slippery in wet weather, and larger streams may be un-crossable.
• You may not be able to cross some streams at around high tide and you may need to wait for the tide to recede.
• Take care when climbing around rocky headlands. The best time is at low tide, because when the tide is up, large waves may wash up the rocks and climbing may become difficult or even dangerous. 
• Cell-phone reception is virtually non-existent. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• There are plenty of mosquitoes and sandflies. Make sure your tent is mosquito proof over the summer months and carry insect repellent.
• Do not leave valuables in your car, and do not leave your vehicle unattended while undertaking the tramp, as vehicle break-ins occur. Arrange pick-up and drop-off through Waitiki Landing Complex, RD 4, Kaitaia +64 9 409 7508. Tour buses also go up and back to Cape Reinga daily from Paihia, Kerikeri, Kaitaia and Mangonui.

What to expect on a walking track:

• Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
• Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
• Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
• Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
• Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required

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