Cape Reinga Lighthouse: A Beacon of Natural Beauty

Getting There

• Car

  If you're driving from the West Coast, head north on State Highway 6 towards Hokitika. Continue on SH6 until you reach the junction with State Highway 1 near Greymouth. Take the exit onto SH1 heading north. Follow SH1 through towns such as Westport and Murchison until you reach the town of Whangarei. From Whangarei, continue on SH1 and then take the turnoff to Cape Reinga via SH10. Follow the signs to the Cape Reinga Road which will lead you directly to the lighthouse. The total drive time is around 8-10 hours, depending on stops and traffic. Note that there are no fuel stations once you leave the last town, so make sure to fill up before heading to the Cape. There are no tolls on this route.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Cape Reinga via public transportation, first take a bus from West Coast to Auckland (Intercity or other regional bus services). From Auckland, catch a bus to Kaitaia, which is the closest town to Cape Reinga. Once in Kaitaia, you can book a shuttle service or day tour that specifically goes to Cape Reinga. The shuttle services usually cost around NZD 70-100 return per person and provide guided tours of the area. Ensure to check the schedule in advance, as services may not run daily. The travel time from Auckland to Kaitaia is approximately 5-7 hours, and the shuttle from Kaitaia to Cape Reinga takes about 1 hour.

• Tour Package

  Consider booking a guided tour package that includes transportation from your location on the West Coast to Cape Reinga. Many tour operators offer day trips or multi-day packages that include transportation, meals, and guided tours of the lighthouse and surrounding areas. Prices for these packages typically range from NZD 150-250 per person. This option might be the most convenient for tourists unfamiliar with the area, as it includes all logistics and provides informative commentary along the way.