Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Cape Reinga Lighthouse is an octagonal white concrete tower with a black dome standing 10 meters tall at the northernmost point of New Zealand. The structure serves as a navigation marker for ships in this exposed region.

The structure was built in 1941 and replaced the earlier Cape Maria Van Diemen Lighthouse on Motuopao Island. This relocation significantly improved shipping safety in the challenging waters of the far north.

This location holds deep meaning in Maori tradition as the place where ancestral spirits begin their final journey and pass through an ancient pohutukawa tree to their homeland.

The beacon has operated automatically since 1987 with a 50-watt solar-powered light visible up to 19 nautical miles across the ocean. Visiting the site allows you to experience the view of two seas and the rugged coastline up close.

The site marks where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, with distinct wave patterns and water colors visible from the headland. On calm days, visitors can sometimes observe the boundary line where the two water bodies meet.

Location: Far North District

Location: Northland Region

Inception: 1941

Height: 10 m

Made from material: concrete

GPS coordinates: -34.42664,172.67764

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:00