Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Prepare for a long journey to the top of New Zealand. Learn what to pack, how the tides affect your trip, and what to expect on the road.
Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Tours
Cape Reinga Road, Cape Reinga 0484
GPS -34.4283, 172.6798
Open directionsGetting there
Options for reaching the northernmost tip.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Full-day 4WD coach tour from Paihia, Kerikeri, or Kaitaia, driving right along the sand of Ninety Mile Beach. | 10-11 hours | $180 - $225 NZD | Includes hotel pickup, commentary, sandboarding, and usually lunch. |
| Tour: Scenic flight from Kerikeri / Bay of Islands airport, landing near the Cape with a guided minibus segment. | 4.5 hours | $450+ NZD | Fastest way to see the cape with spectacular aerial views of the harbor and beach. |
| Car: Self-drive up State Highway 1 to the Cape Reinga car park. | 3 hours from Paihia (one way) | Fuel costs | You must stay on the sealed SH1; rental cars are not allowed on Ninety Mile Beach. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Cape Reinga is accessible year-round. Summer (November to April) is the most popular time due to warmer weather and more consistent tour operations. The cape is highly exposed, so expect strong winds at any time of year.
What to bring
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Tours time their beach driving entirely around the low tide.
Buses will drive either up or down the beach depending on the water levels.
How the day runs
Typical schedules for exploring the Far North.
An 11-hour round trip from Paihia covering highway, beach, and dunes.
- Pickup in Paihia
Board the custom 4WD coach at your hotel.
- Ninety Mile Beach
Drive directly on the sand alongside the Tasman Sea surf.
- Te Paki Sand Dunes
Climb the massive dunes and boogie board down.
- Cape Reinga Lighthouse
Walk the track to see the oceans collide.
- Return to Paihia
Arrive back after a long day on the road.
A 4.5-hour experience combining aerial views and a guided ground tour.
- Airport transfer
Get picked up in Paihia and head to Kerikeri airport.
- Takeoff
Fly over the harbor and Ninety Mile Beach.
- Land & Ground Tour
Transfer to a minibus to visit the lighthouse and Tapotupotu Bay.
- Return Flight
Fly back to Kerikeri for your hotel transfer.
Packing for the Far North
Cape Reinga is heavily exposed to the elements. You should pack a windproof jacket, high SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect against the wind and glare. If you plan to sandboard at Te Paki, bring a change of clothes or shorts, as sand will get everywhere.
Be aware that it is a very long day of driving. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication before departure. The roads are winding, the beach driving can be bumpy, and scenic flights use small aircraft.
Easiest way to do it
Far North New Zealand Tour Including 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga from Paihia
10 h to 11 h 4.6 (263)
- Full commentary from our knowledgeable local driver guides
- Fresh prepared lunch
- Opportunity to sand board conditions permitting ( sand boards provided )
From$131per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Can you drive on Ninety Mile Beach in a rental car?
No. Rental agreements strictly prohibit driving vehicles on Ninety Mile Beach due to quicksand and tidal dangers. You must take a guided 4WD tour to travel on the sand safely.
What should I wear on a Ninety Mile Beach tour?
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the track to the lighthouse. Bring a windbreaker for the cape, a hat, and a change of shorts if you want to slide down the sand dunes.
Can you swim at Cape Reinga?
Swimming is not allowed at the Cape Reinga tip where the oceans meet due to extreme currents. However, tours often stop at Tapotupotu Bay, where swimming is possible.