Home > Bay of Islands > Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach Tour from Bay of Islands
USD $110.00
Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach Tour from Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Take an action-packed day trip from Paihia to the tip of New Zealand’s North Island on a guided tour of Cape Reinga! The Waverider coach, built to traverse sand, will drive you down the rugged coastline of Ninety Mile Beach. You’ll also see the mystical kauri trees, go sandboarding and dig for shellfish.
Explore one of the most amazing stretches of coastline in Oceania on a custom-built Waverider coach that keeps you comfortable as it moves effortlessly over sandy beaches, rugged roads and quicksand streams.
Start your New Zealand North Island adventure day trip with a stop at the Puketi Forest, home to 1,000-year-old kauri trees, some of the most ancient trees in the world. Walk along a ground-level boardwalk that meanders around the trunks of the trees and learn more about the area from the information panels located throughout the walk.
After you leave the Puketi Forest, you’ll head to Houhora Harbour, lunch at Wagner’s Holiday Park. Later you will go to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand. You’ll feel as though you’re standing on the edge of the world as you watch the Pacific Ocean collide with the Tasman Sea.
Maori legend says that Cape Reinga is the departure point for spirits on their way to the Maori homeland in Hawaiki. There are no shops on Cape Reinga, and eating and drinking is frowned upon in order to show respect for this sacred Maori site. For an additional cost, you can aid New Zealand’s conservation program by planting a native tree.
From Cape Reinga, your tour continues down the North Island’s coast. Your first stop is the giant sand dunes at the Te Paki Quicksand Stream, where you can try your hand at sandboarding. Experience an exhilarating ride down the face of a dune on a boogie board!
Finally, get back on the Waverider coach and head south on Ninety Mile Beach. This strikingly beautiful stretch of unpopulated beach, is a marked contrast to the bustle of the island’s East Coast, and you will have plenty of opportunities to stick your toes in the sand and help your guide dig for shellfish.
Your New Zealand North Island adventure ends with your return drive to Paihia.
Superb day trip of approx. 11 hours. Many different sights - Kauri forest, Cape Reinga itself, huge Kauri trees, good lunch fish n chips! and included sand boarding as per the picture. Best part of the trip was wave riding along 90 mile beach at 50 mph at the water's edge...superb overall, highly organized and kept to time.
Review by: Jane A, March 2018
Excellent day tour! Despite being a long trip, there was never a dull moment - all the sights were spectacular. Our guide was great Hughie? - funny and very informative.
Review by: Rebecca W, March 2018
The trip was amazing. Our guide bus driver Robin was exceptional. Gave good history on the area as we rode along, We had the right amount of stops along the way for bathroom and getting a snack. Our lunch stop was a pleasant place along the water with great fish and chips. The right amount of tim3 was allowed so to be able to walk to Cape Reinga lighthouse. Beautiful scenery. The next stop to go sandboarding was a blast. Robin was wonderful in teaching us the right way to master the fun of sandboarding. The 90 mile ride on the beach along the Tasman sea was fabulous. It truly was an outstanding day,
Review by: Dianne F, March 2018
Great driver with interesting tales to tell. Wonderful countryside, 90 mile beach and watching those who chose to slide down the dunes was fun.
Review by: Nancy C, March 2018
This tour was excellent. There had been heavy rain the previous night which made for interesting scenery with water lapping the road in places. Our driver Robin was excellent, with plenty of information, but not constantly talking which could get tedious. He had great knowledge of the history and geography of the region, including Maori legends and the meanings of their place names.
Review by: Deborah M, February 2018
This was a fabulous tour and our driver and guide Robin was fantastic. He gave lots of information on the area and sites visited and had quite the sense of humour. The Kauri forest was a nice short walk. Driving on 90 mile beach was definitely a unique experience - beautiful views - just be careful wading out a bit in the ocean as quite a few of us got soaked by a sudden surprise wave - lol. Next was going to the sand dunes and a once in a lifetime experience of sand boarding down the dunes. Very hard work trekking up the dune in the sand but worth the effort to slid down on a boogie board - so much fun. The drive up to and views from Cape Reinga were breathtaking. A bit of a walk to the lighthouse is rewarded with the best views. This was truly a tour not to be missed.
Review by: Deborah M, February 2018
This was a fabulous tour and our driver and guide Robin was fantastic. He gave lots of information on the area and sites visited and had quite the sense of humour. The Kauri forest was a nice short walk. Driving on 90 mile beach was definitely a unique experience - beautiful views - just be careful wading out a bit in the ocean as quite a few of us got soaked by a sudden surprise wave - lol. Next was going to the sand dunes and a once in a lifetime experience of sand boarding down the dunes. Very hard work trekking up the dune in the sand but worth the effort to slid down on a boogie board - so much fun. The drive up to and views from Cape Reinga were breathtaking. A bit of a walk to the lighthouse is rewarded with the best views. This was truly a tour not to be missed.
Review by: Sandra K, February 2018
We had perfect weather for this tour Full Day but went by fast with a nice driver who was always available and tried to tell fun locals stories. Worth the day!
Review by: Janice K, February 2018
This was a long day but a good day. The drive on the beach was amazing - as was the sand dune surfing. Cape Reinga is beautiful and we are so glad we went. Lunch was okay - just average. Kauri tree stop was good too.
Review by: xtrahotflatwhite, February 2018
We thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the Cape. The drive on the beach was amazing. Lots of useful information given. The Fish and Chip lunch was as much as we needed. We were collected from our Paihia motel on time and left at the Visitor centre as requested. We were very lucky to have a fine day as the previous and next days were rainy. The fit and younger ones enjoyed the sand boarding. Highly recommend this to everyone.
Review by: Glenn H, December 2017
Long but enjoyable day made all the more interesting by our coach drive/guide.
Review by: GOPALAKRISHNAN V, December 2017
Superb day out to the wild Cape, driving on the beach, and dune-boarding
Review by: Charlotte G, December 2017
Awesome bus driver. He knew all the plants names as I study plants for my Landscaping business. Weather was perfect.. People were fun!
Review by: Sarah B, December 2017
The scenery was spectacular, from the Kauri forest to the meeting of the Pacific and the Tasman Sea, 90 Mile Beach and countryside. Our driver, Robin, was not spectacular. His dry, date filled commentary, was uninspiring. Having to walk from the main road to our hotel was a poor ending to our trip.
Review by: ldwill, November 2017
What a great day! Highly recommended
Review by: Kathy-Anne N, November 2017
This was a long but very good day. Our bus driver Robin was very informative knew the area well and tried to make it as much fun as he could. I would recommend this to any visitor to the far north would not see or do as much by yourself.
Review by: Natalie L, August 2017
Great day trip, beautiful scenery and knowledgable guide. Worth the money.
Review by: Robert W, August 2017
A long day but worth it. Only in New Zealand would a bus be taken on a beach as part of the tour. Excellent guide with a passion for his subject.
Review by: Charles P, May 2017
What a wonderful day--walking the Kauri forest, riding on 90-mile beach, sand boarding on the dunes, and hiking up to Cape Reinga.
Review by: Katherine P, March 2017
Fabulous!!
Review by: William B, March 2017
Even though it was raining off and on all day, this was a wonderful trip ! Our bus driver was so informative, and truly wanted us to enjoy the day. The drive out on 90 mile beach was amazing no rain then and the drive through the stream to get to the sand dunes was exciting no rain then either . But going on the Cape, with wild weather, was the highlight ! There is a somewhat steep walk down/up at the Cape on a paved path. We loved the full day !
Review by: Sabrina M, February 2017
It was a rainy and foggy day when we went to Cape Reinga. Three busses of the same company drove there with slightly time-adjusted schedule to make sure that not all the people are at the same place. Driving along 90 Mile Beach was really fun, I'm always enjoying those 4WD along the beaches. Next stop was sandboarding. It's not really my thing but others had fun regardless of the wet sand. I found the sand dunes impressing. Cape Reinga was as expected the highlight of my trip. However, we only got to spend one hour there including walking time from the car park which is about 20 minutes each way. It was foggy but it gave the place something mystical and it was still possible to see where the Abel Tasman Sea and the pacific meet. The reason I am giving four and not five stars is because I don't like feeling rushed and I felt that the time at Cape Reinga was not enough. The Fish and Chips lunch was delicious and not greasy at all! I liked the walk in the Puketi Forest as well. Keep in mind it is a long day and it takes about four hours to get to Cape Reinga.
Review by: carol w, February 2017
Well organised. Informative driver - without information overload_br/_ Loved the short stop to see the kauri trees_br/_ Long day - although there are several stops, do bring extra drinks with you.
Review by: Ksjscreen, February 2017
I thought 11 hours would be brutal, but it flew by. We had lousy weather and poor visibility, but Jackie made it so fun. The history and stories were great. Nice group we went with. 2 top highlights were riding on 90 mile beach and sand surfing. All in all it was a great trip.
Review by: Marjorie R, November 2016
Brilliant trip, lots of varied experiences from sand dunes to Kauri giants, beach drive and excellent complimentary lunch. If you get the chance, take this trip.
Review by: bucket, October 2016
We had already toured for two weeks the North and South islands and this trip ranked up at the top of the experiences we had._br/_ This topography was not expected - how beautiful and if I would relocate to NZ this would be the region. Do It !!!!!
Review by: Brittany D, June 2016
Tour was a lot of fun. Sandboarding was a blast and the drive on the beach was very unique! It is a long trip to get there but there were enough stops to break it up.
Review by: Donald W, April 2016
Very interesting.
Review by: Dave, March 2016
Great tour, very informative, fish and chip lunch was terrific. The run up the beach was interesting and fun when they turn in via a river bed. The real fun was the sandboarding, if you have the energy to walk up the sandhill you must give it a go.
Review by: Ronald W, March 2016
Excellent Coach Driver from both a comfort view and gave very interesting commentaries._br/_ Would recommend this trip to all visitors to the Bay of Islands
Review by: Clare M, March 2016
We all thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It was very well conducted and there was just enough time at each stop._br/_ I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone visiting the Bay of Islands.
Review by: Pamela S, March 2016
Great tour,lovely lunch in nice setting,great drive along the beach and great fun sand boarding._br/_ Our lady driver was lovely.
Review by: Davedeeo, March 2016
A tour packed full of information and sights. Whilst there was a lot to cover all the stops were of sufficient time whilst keeping on the move to ensure we got everything in. The fish and chips for early lunch were excellent. It was quite surprising to find that the 2WD coach was not significantly different from usual even though it was to drive down a stream bed on to the 90 mile beach.
Review by: Marion L, February 2016
The bus was 30 mins late for picking up and no explanation given. The air con wasn't working properly at first. The start of the trip was further delayed by the driver liasing with the office to sort out a problem with another passenger._br/_ The driver was very enthusiastic and informative about all local culture and customs. It was a long day, but i would still recommend this trip as the sights at the cape were stunning. One of our party did the sandboarding and found it very enjoyable.
Review by: Debra B, February 2016
Our driver, Robin, was very knowledgable, friendly and helpful. The pick-up was punctual and Robin kept all passengers on schedule so we arrived back in Paihia at the advertised time. The timing between rest breaks / food stops was well paced, I would definitely recommend this tour. _br/_ We went on a particularly hot day and better air conditioning on the bus would have been appreciated.
Review by: Robert C, February 2016
Great day - long but we did everything that was promised. Loved riding on the beach and sliding down the dunes! Our tour guide Tipianui did his very best to show us all a good time, and showed patience in herding the folks on and off the bus at our stops!
Review by: Bruce D, February 2016
Great tour would do it again well done
Review by: Joni, January 2016
Such a great trip. Knowledgeable driver/guide. A lot sucked into one day.
Review by: Lawrence B, October 2015
Top trip up to the Cape. The guide was the best. Always helpful. The views were to 'die for'. Really enjoyed the sand boarding.
Review by: Lorraine M, April 2015
This was an awesome tour. I would reccomend this to anyone visiting the Bay of Islands area !
Review by: christine w, March 2015
this tour was made all the more interesting by our tour guide Chris who told us about the Maori tribes which he was one of Great tour motoring on 90 mile beach excellent fish and chips for lunch overlooking the water fabulous The Kauri trees amazing so much to see and do
Review by: mandgsto, March 2015
Brilliant tour. Exceptional guide. A long but great day. Lunch the only weak point but venue was excellent.
Review by: Diana F, March 2015
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Garry T, March 2015
Great trip the only minus is that the 11 hours was a little long and the seating alittle tight for larger people. Robin was our driver and was a wealth of information even it was a little stretched at times overall rating out of 10 with 10 being the highest we would give the overall experience 9.99%
Review by: Isobel M, January 2015
Good mix of activities which included a boardwalk,visit to Cape Reinga lighthouse, sand boarding and a stop on 90 mile beach as well as two stops for tea and one for lunch. Unfortunately the hotel pickups were very late ( mine was 15 mins) and at the last one the people had gone back inside so we were about 30 mins late starting off. This was referred to constantly during the trip and I felt we were hurried along and activities cut short. The coach itself was virtually full and very uncomfortable. I am only 5 cms shorter than the average height for a woman but there was no footrest and I could not put both my feet on the floor and have my back supported by the seat - I could only do one or the other. By the end of the trip I was in significant discomfort which lasted the following day.
Review by: Douglas T, December 2014
Long trip to drive on your own and our tour guide was very informative. Was thankful we hadn't purchased lunch as it was included for free and was a bowl of delicious fish and chips but not worth the purchasing price. Be prepared for a hike as it is quite a walk down to the Lighthouse and even steeper walk back. We needed the full 45 minutes they offered and many on our tour could not attempt. If you have a good camera you can still get great shots from up top .. It was an unbelievable experience to ride 90km per hour for 90 miles on the Beach! Getting out and walking that beautiful stretch was amazing as well!!
Review by: forgetmenot13, December 2014
Very good tour. Best part was the ride down the sand dune. Very enjoyable driver. Lunch was not up to expectations.
Review by: Lawrence B, November 2014
Good product, well delivered by the driver/guide Kevin. The promised BBQ lunch became, without explanation, a second grade buffet lunch - in itself, not value for money. Otherwise, an enjoyable experience.
Review by: Vivian O, October 2014
Had a fantastic coach driver (Huey), a wealth of knowledge. Loved Cape Reinga, sand dunes and driving along beach, Kauri Kingdom was average but buffet lunch was overpriced and very poor as agreed by all on coach.
Review by: Karen E, April 2014
Just do it! Great tour from the 100km trip up 90 Mile beach in a bus, to the sand boarding to the spiritual Cape Reinga we really enjoyed this trip.We also loved the small places we drove though, Monganui and all of Doubtless Bay is some of the best scenery in the world. Very much recommended.
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