# From the Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga and back

> 3-day road trip of about 244 km (152 mi) with 8 stops, from Paihia to Cape Reinga Lighthouse. About 2 h 40 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/nzn-bay-of-islands-to-cape-reinga/

**At a glance:** 3-day road trip of about 244 km (152 mi) with 8 stops, from Paihia to Cape Reinga Lighthouse. About 2 h 40 min of driving in total. A three-day run up SH10 and SH1 from Paihia to the northern tip of the country, with a stop at the beach at Ahipara.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 244 km (152 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 40 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 8 |
| Route | Paihia → Cape Reinga Lighthouse |
| States | New Zealand |
| Updated | May 12, 2026 |

## Route description

Leave Paihia on SH10 for Kerikeri, about 25 km inland, where the stone store and basin make a good first stop. Continue north on SH10 through Kaeo to Mangonui, roughly 70 minutes from Paihia, and have lunch on the waterfront. This part of the route has bends and some narrow bridges. Keep left and slow down at the one-lane bridges.

From Mangonui the road runs west along SH10 to join SH1 near Awanui, then reaches Kaitaia, the last large town with supermarkets and fuel. Fill the tank here and stock up on food and water. A short detour west along Ahipara Road, about 15 km, brings you to Ahipara and Shipwreck Bay at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach.

North of Kaitaia, SH1 climbs through farmland and dune country. Rarawa Beach Campsite lies on a gravel side road near Houhora, about 40 km north of Kaitaia, and is a quiet place to stay, though facilities are basic. Check fees, booking rules and weather before committing. Pass the Te Paki stream, where the large dunes stand, and treat the beach and stream bed as no-go areas for vehicles.

The last 20 km of SH1 to Cape Reinga is sealed and quiet, with views of both coasts. Allow at least half a day at the lighthouse, as the walk is short but the weather can change quickly. Plan on about 2 hours for the return drive to Kaitaia, and start early in winter, when daylight is short. Rental agreements generally ban Ninety Mile Beach, so keep to the road.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Paihia** (New Zealand)
2. **Kerikeri** (New Zealand)
3. **Mangonui** (New Zealand)
4. **Kaitaia** (New Zealand)
5. **Ahipara and Shipwreck Bay** (Kaitaia, New Zealand): The southern end of Ninety Mile Beach, with surf, a long view of the Aupouri dunes and the wreck-strewn Shipwreck Bay. Walk the sand at low tide. Beach driving is risky and normally excluded by rental agreements, so park at the village.
6. **Rarawa Beach Campsite** (Kaitaia, New Zealand): A DOC campsite behind a long beach of fine white silica sand and low dunes, reached by a short gravel road from SH1 north of Houhora. Facilities are basic and the site is exposed, so bring water and check the current fee and booking rules.
7. **Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes** (Kaitaia, New Zealand): Steep, wind-sculpted dunes beside the Te Paki Stream, popular for sliding down on boards. Boards can be hired at the car park, and the climb up is hard work in soft sand. Do not drive the stream bed, since the tide and quicksand catch vehicles.
8. **Cape Reinga Lighthouse** (Kaitaia, New Zealand): The north-western tip of the country, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet beneath a small lighthouse. In Māori tradition, spirits of the dead leave from here. A paved path leads from the car park in about ten minutes; expect strong wind.

## Suggested stages and overnight stops

1. **Day 1: Paihia → Mangonui** (73 km, 0 h 47 min) On the way: Kerikeri.
2. **Day 2: Mangonui → Rarawa Beach Campsite** (98 km, 1 h 04 min) On the way: Kaitaia, Ahipara and Shipwreck Bay.
3. **Day 3: Rarawa Beach Campsite → Cape Reinga Lighthouse** (74 km, 0 h 48 min) On the way: Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes.

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and November. Hot in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is From the Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga and back?**
3-day road trip of about 244 km (152 mi) with 8 stops, from Paihia to Cape Reinga Lighthouse. About 2 h 40 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for From the Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga and back?**
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 40 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does From the Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga and back start and end?**
It starts in Paihia and ends in Cape Reinga Lighthouse.

**Which states does From the Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga and back pass through?**
New Zealand.

**When is the best time for From the Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga and back?**
The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)