Cape Reinga lighthouse:
The Cape Reinga lighthouse is one of the most important landmarks of Te Paki, and stands on the edge of a steep rocky cape, lashed by the Tasman Sea (to the west) and Pacific Ocean.
Originally, Motuopao Island was chosen as the site best suited for the location of a lighthouse to protect ships passing through the dangerous, turbulent waters at the northern tip of New Zealand.
However, by the beginning of WWII, it was decided that the light was in the wrong location, so in 1941 the glasshouse and light mechanism on top of the lighthouse were removed and re-erected at the new lighthouse settlement at Te Rerenga Wairua. The remains of the original tower can still be seen on the northern end of the offshore island.
First used in May 1941, Te Rerenga Wairua was the last watched lighthouse to be built in New Zealand. Standing at an impressive 10m in height and 165m above sea level, it is one of New Zealand’s iconic landmarks.
The Cape Reinga light today is electric, with the last lighthouse keeper being withdrawn in 1987. It is now managed remotely by computer from Wellington.
The 1000-watt light bulb magnified by the lens system throws a signal of warning 49 km out to sea and is often the first light in New Zealand that sailors see.
Māori Significance:
Cape Reinga, or Te Rerenga Wairua, is a significant historical and cultural site in New Zealand, particularly for Māori. It's renowned as the place where spirits of the dead are believed to depart for the afterlife. The area also marks the meeting point of the Tasman Sea and the
A very old pohutukawa tree at the tip of the cape is where spirits are said to descend into the sea, sliding down its roots.
After descending from the tree, the spirits are believed to travel underwater to the Three Kings Islands, then on to Hawaiki-A-Nui, the ancestral homeland.
Meeting of the Seas:
The dramatic meeting of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean is also a significant aspect of the area's history and is known to Māori as “Te Moana-a-Rehua”.
90 Mile Beach:
The drive to Cape Reinga often includes travel along 90 Mile Beach, which is a popular route for tourists.
