At Cape Reinga, the top of New Zealand’s North Island is the meeting of the seas. The Pacific flows down from the northeast, while the Tasman sea flows in from the northwest. It’s New Zealand’s most northern point and a stunning place to stand.
Cape Reinga is considered to be the most spiritual place for all Maori (New Zealand’s indigenous people).
For us, it was a destination long overdue.
One of the best things about having my niece visiting is that she does the dishes we are once again touring New Zealand.
We have lived in New Zealand for nearly 10 years and this is our first visit to the cape. Technically it’s our second attempt, heavy rains preventing us from traveling there years ago when my dad visited.
It’s a short hike from the car park and this is our first view: 
The Meeting of the Seas
A Maori Legend
Cape Reinga marks the separation of the Tasman Sea from the pacific Ocean. For Maori, these turbulent waters are where the male sea Te Moana Tapokopoko a Tawhaki meets the female sea Te Tai o Whitireia.
The Whirlpools where the currents clash are like those that dance in the wake of a waka (canoe). They represent the coming together of male and female, and the creation of life.
A closer view of the meeting of the seas:
I am pretty sure there is a sign like this at the farthest point in some direction of every country. Here is New Zealand’s version, from the northern most point in the country, at the lighthouse at Cape Reinga.
We chose to climb to the top of the hill on our way back. I put my camera aside for a moment and tried the panorama feature of my iphone 4S. What do you think? I am not sure why it came out so short, but the color and quality seem acceptable. Personally, I prefer the power of my DSLR.
If you can see the lighthouse in the background, and notice that the top looks a bit thicker than the prior shot, that is a person. Probably not a very bright one, as it is neither safe nor legal, but he climbed up there anyway. In the foreground, my smiling niece. You can easily see why I am so flattered by all who have said they see the family resemblance.
Related Links:
- The Hell Hole of the Pacific – Russell
- Awesome Haka Videos – New Zealand Maori Haka Is More Than A War Dance
- My Top 10 Adjustments to New Zealand Life
- Top 10 Reasons to Visit New Zealand – Fun for Everyone
Travel with us as we laugh our way around the globe. I am Rhonda Albom, wife, mom, photographer and blogger, sharing the lighter side of our traveling family's life with two teens. 
Well that is stunning fab photos it must get a bit windy up there although it doesn’t seem to be in the photos.
Although detail is a bit small I think the panoramic one came out quite good
ps: Do you stand like that whilst watching your niece doing the dishes, and did she do them before or after you got home? LMAO
Have a fantastico weekend Rhonda
stevebethere recently posted..Feline Friday – Whatcha Makin?
Thanks Steve! And yes, it was quite a bit windy up there, even more than I had expected. As for the dishes – thanks for the laugh
What a lovely country you live in. It’s a place I want to visit one day.
Have a terrific day and weekend.
Comedy Plus recently posted..Feline Friday #23
I think you would like New Zealand
I do hope you get here.
Beautiful country. I can’t wait to win the lottery or write the next best seller and come visit you.
Joyce recently posted..#GBE2: Dreams
Next best seller would be easier
Beautiful. I’ve heard that the place where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean is also pretty.
Jayne Townsley recently posted..Storytelling Is a Form of Art
I’ll bet it would be, if it is anything like this. Thanks for stopping by.
Very funny! We also have a Cape Point similar to this, but we still need to take the kids. It was not so far away from the penguins at Boulders Beach, but we had to get back for a dance seminar that my eldest daughter was apart of.
Also, I saw that you left lovely comments on 1camera1mom, which were being held as Spam and needed to be approved. I don’t know what the red flag was, but I’ll try to stay more on top of my IntenseDebate comment system to avoid “lost” comments. Thanks for visiting!
P.S. I also have more than one blog as you’ll see by the link.
Christina Morley recently posted..My Blog’s 1st Birthday!
It took us 10 years to get here, and we were pretty close once before. We didn’t go the final distance last time due to rain.
Great photos! What a great trip you seem to be having!
Thanks Jenny
If you haven’t been to the top of the island, you really should go. Only sorry I didn’t have my girls with us.