Cape Reinga Weekend: Coastal Weekend: Sand, Sea, and the Northernmost Trails

## The original (part of the Te Paki Coastal track on the eastern side) itinerary has been updated due to track closures. Please read carefully as some routes and locations have changed.

CAPE REINGA COASTAL WEEKEND: SAND, SEA, AND THE NORTHERNMOST TRAILS
Dates: 19 to 21 September 2025

Join us for a unique three-day adventure at the northernmost edge of Aotearoa. This trip combines sandboarding, a full-day hike along the wild coastline near Cape Reinga, and a relaxing final day on the east coast, with options to walk, swim, and enjoy fresh fish and chips by the sea. We’ll travel together from Auckland and explore one of New Zealand’s most spiritually and geographically significant regions.
TRIP OVERVIEW
On Friday afternoon we’ll meet at the Giant Te Paki Sand Dunes for sandboarding. Saturday is our big hike: a one-way section of the Te Paki Coastal Track from Cape Reinga to Te Paki Stream, with a stream crossing timed for low tide. Sunday takes us to the east coast for a 2.5-hour walk and optional swim at Rarawa Beach, followed by lunch at Mangōnui and a relaxed drive back to Auckland.
ITINERARY
Friday, 19 September 2025 – Travel & Sandboarding

• Morning: Depart Auckland (carpool or self-drive)
• 1:30 PM: Meet at Te Paki Dunes for sandboarding
• Enjoy the dunes and the views
• Late afternoon: Set up camp at Tapotupotu Bay (pending confirmation with iwi)
• Some attendees currently have 1 night at Spirits Bay and 1 at Tapotupotu. I am working to consolidate both nights at Tapotupotu for everyone.

Saturday, 20 September 2025 – Cape Reinga to Te Paki Stream via Cape Maria van Diemen

• 8:30 AM: Begin hike from Cape Reinga lighthouse carpark
• Walk south along the Te Paki Coastal Track to Te Werahi Beach
• Continue over Herangi Hill to the Cape Maria van Diemen turnoff
• Stop for lunch/viewpoint break near the cape
• Walk along Te Werahi Beach to Te Werahi Stream
• ~2:00 PM: Cross the stream at low tide (14:18 NZST)
• Continue across the dunes to the Te Paki Stream carpark
• Total Distance: ~13–14 km
• Estimated Time: ~6 hours (including breaks)
• Shuttling: I will coordinate car drop-offs before the hike
• Evening: Return to Tapotupotu campsite for second night

Sunday, 21 September 2025 – Rarawa Beach Walk + Lunch in Mangōnui

• 8:30 AM: Depart camp and drive to Rarawa Beach (approx. 35 mins)
• 9:15–11:45 AM: Walk and/or swim at Rarawa Beach (~2.5 hours total)
• Explore the white silica sand beach, swim if conditions allow
• 11:45 AM: Depart Rarawa
• 12:30 PM: Group lunch in Mangōnui
• Options include the Mangōnui Fish Shop or other waterfront spots
• 1:30 PM: Depart Mangōnui for Auckland
• ~6:00 PM: Arrive in Auckland (with one break)

ACCOMMODATION
I am coordinating with the iwi to stay both nights at Tapotupotu Bay DOC campsite. Those with existing bookings will be updated once final arrangements are confirmed. You’ll need to bring your own tent and camping gear.
WHAT TO BRING
Essentials:

• Tent and sleeping gear
• Waterproof hiking boots and jacket
• Daypack with 2L water
• Food and snacks for Saturday + Sunday
• Headlamp or torch
• Sandboarding mat or board (or rent locally)
• Swimwear and towel (optional for Sunday)

Recommended:

• Quick-drying footwear for the stream crossing
• Hiking poles
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent (for sandflies and mosquitoes, especially at Tapotupotu)

FITNESS LEVEL
Moderate to high. Saturday’s hike is ~6 hours with hills, sand, and coastal terrain. Sunday is flexible but includes up to 2.5 hours of walking or swimming. Sandboarding also requires climbing the dunes.

SAFETY

• We’ll cross Te Werahi Stream at low tide (~2:00 PM)
• I will carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) and paper maps
• Participants are expected to stay with pace groups
• Your safety remains your responsibility

CONTRIBUTION: Attendees send $6 for helping to pay meetup dot com costs, and navigation and safety equipment for the group.

Contributions are due 2 weeks before the event. Please make a transfer to 02-0200-0260173-000. Wakahi.com Limited

CARPOOLING
Post a comment if you need a ride or (drivers) if you have free seats.