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Travelogue: Cape Reinga

Travelogue: Cape Reinga

by Johnny Isaak ·

Should I leap and descend into the underworld? Standing on the windswept bluff overlooking the meeting place between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, it’s not difficult to see why the Maori consider Cape Reinga such a special place.

Pathway to the Underworld

Located at the northwestern most tip of the Aupouri Peninsula at the top of New Zealand’s Northern Island, the Maori refer to the cape as “Te Renenga Wairua,” which means leaping off place of spirts. They believe it is where spirits of the dead enter the underworld.

Pause for Reflection

Walking my bike down to the iconic lighthouse provided me with a few moments of reflection on my circuitous journey from Bluff at the southern end of the South Island. Would I depart my mud and sand caked bicyle for the underworld, or did more adventure lay ahead in the terrestrial world? New Zealand had been everything I hoped for and more.

The iconic lighthouse at Cape Reinga set against the Pacific Ocean.

A Dream Realized

My Kiwi Odyssey was nearing the end, and the adventure was almost complete. I had traveled from Bluff at the southern end of the South Island to Cape Reinga at the northern end of the North Island. Having stood on both points, I had fulfilled my goal of crossing the country from south to north. My muscles ached and stiffened from the long climb up, but the feeling is right.

Onward

The journey continues. I still had to return to Auckland. And there was still enough time to make it to the Bay of Islands, a little side detour I was hoping to make on my way back south.

I wouldn’t be going to the underworld today, not while there was still more riding to do. I backed my bike away from the windy precipice and headed to the top of the hill. Southward, my trusty Divide, southward. There were still miles to ride before I could sleep tonight.

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Filed Under: Travelogue Tagged With: adventure, adventure cycling, bicycle touring, bicycle travel, bike travel, Cape Reinga, cycle touring, exploration, New Zealand, North Island, Reinga

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