Cape Reinga: The Maori Sacred Site of New Zealand
Have you been wondering whether Cape Reinga is one of the Maori sacred sites of New Zealand? We’re Divinely Guided!
Giorgy had always dreamed of achieving this quest during her travles around New Zealand in her van but it remained just an unfulfilled dream.
Today, I, Karen, am thrilled to not only provide you with practical advice on visiting this sacred Maori site in New Zealand but also to share the spiritual meaning of my personal experience.
Join me as I recount my own experience in Cape Reinga in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s spiritual retreats are often nestled in some of the most breathtaking natural environments in the world, from serene beaches to majestic mountains.
These settings offer a profound sense of peace and connection to nature, which can greatly enhance meditation and mindfulness practices, allowing individuals to deepen their spiritual journey.
Cape Reinga, Not Quite The End Of The World
If you’re on a New Zealand road trip you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve reached the end of the world by the time you get to north Cape Reinga.
You’ve taken a long drive through a slightly alien environment and now you’ve arrived at the northern tip of New Zealand. Ahead of you is nothing but an endless expanse of ocean.
And for the original Maori settlers, Cape Reinga was literally the end of the world, this special place from which dead souls departed to their distant homeland.
The Unique Environment Of Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is not quite the northernmost tip of New Zealand (that is a few miles to the east), but it is as far as you can get by road. I stood by the lighthouse and looked at the international sign post.
Everywhere was a long way off, but London was the furthest, at 18,000 kilometres. I was about as far from home as it was possible to get. In front of me was the Meeting of the Waters, where the Pacific Ocean collides with the Abel Tasman Sea.
Or, if you prefer, where the male sea meets the female sea, creating whirlpools that are symbolic of new life.
There is a clear line between the Pacific Ocean and the Abel Tasman Sea!
I had driven up the Aupouri Peninsula, a long narrow strip of land consisting mostly of sand dunes and forest. This is a strange environment: the underlying rock is rich in toxins and poor in phosphates.
The result is a unique vegetation of strange looking plants. The north Cape itself is a seductive landscape of cliffs, heathland, white sand and dazzling blue sea.
If you don’t mind walking up and down hill, you can explore the area along miles of footpaths.
It’s a long way to anywhere else from here!
A Sacred Maori Site
Reinga means “underworld”, and the whole of the Cape is a sacred Maori site. It is likely that the earliest settlers arriving from the Polynesian bay of islands would have landed on the far north coast.
From here they would have looked back across the ocean and imagined their far distant homeland. So the māori tradition arose that when they died their souls would return to Cape Reinga so that they could begin the long voyage home.
The exact point of departure is a lone kahika tree, reputed to be the 800-year-old pohutukawa tree. The māori spirits of the dead walk along the tree roots, which form steps into the water.
The lone Te Aroha tree, where the souls of the dead begin their voyage to the underworld.
Because this is a sacred site, associated more with the dead than the living, visitors are forbidden to eat or drink here.
You need to bear this in mind if you are planning a visit, as I didn’t find anywhere to eat until I got to Pukenui, 70 km from Cape Reinga. But don’t let that put you off; both the landscape and the Maori associations were fascinating.
Besides, there’s nothing like a good sea walk to work up an appetite.
The unique vegetation of Cape Reinga.
FAQs
Where Is Cape Reinga?
Cape Reinga is located at the northernmost tip of the North Island in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s spiritual retreats are often nestled in some of the most breathtaking natural environments in the world, from serene beaches to majestic mountains.
These settings offer a profound sense of peace and connection to nature, which can greatly enhance meditation and mindfulness practices, allowing individuals to deepen their spiritual journey.
Author: Karen Warren
Karen Warren is a freelance writer, book reviewer, and novelist. She writes about travel on her website WorldWideWriter.
Sabiduri Planning Guide
🧘🏽♀️Where to find spiritual retreats around the World?
The good news is that they can be found in various locations, from secluded places in nature to bustling cities. Find your ideal retreat here!
🚑 Should you buy a travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $50 for your stay, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance.
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car around the World?
Yes — Renting a car is one of the best ways to see the country you find yourself in because public transportation cannot reach everywhere! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local companies, so you get the best rates.
📴 Will my phone work abroad?
Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have a free service, buy a SIM Card once landed in the country.
🛌🏼 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering Flats, don’t forget to also check Couchsurfing, which is free and you stay with locals.
🛩️ What’s the best site to buy flights?
For finding cheap flights, I recommend Kayak.
🛂 Do I need a visa for these destinations?
Likely Not — U.S., Canadian, and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for most of destination around the World. BUT check here for more travel requirements. The majority of travelers will receive a 90-Day stamp Tourist Visa upon arrival.
