Cape Reinga, at the northwestern tip of the Aupouri Peninsula, is often mistaken for New Zealand’s northernmost point, but that title belongs to Surville Cliffs, 30 km to the east. Here, the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet, creating dramatic tides. The Cape's lighthouse, built in 1941 and automated in 1987, stands as a beacon of this iconic location. In Māori mythology, Cape Reinga, or Te Rerenga Wairua, is the "leaping off place of spirits" on their journey to Hawaiiki. Nearby Tapotupoto Bay and Spirits Bay offer beautiful beaches and are ideal for short rest stops or exploring more of the area's cultural significance.