History in Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is also known in Maori as Rerenga Wairua - the departing place of spirits.

Maori believe that when a person dies, after their tangihanga (Maori style funeral) their sprit departs on a journy, wandering up Ninety Mile Beach to Rerenga Wairua and from here, down the Pohutukawa tree and off to our Homeland.

It is because of these beliefs that there are no shops at the Cape and there are areas that are roped off as well as signs saying no entry.  Please respect these.