Tapotupotu Bay to Cape Reinga

This provides a shorter, logistically simpler, alternative to a full Cape Reinga to Spirits Bay run.

The track starts at the left hand corner of the beach up a clearly visible track. It climbs steadily, then steeply for 1km before descending for 2km to the Sandy Bay. The trail is really runnable after the first ascent. There are a couple of diversions to viewpoints if you fancy (not necessary if you are chasing a FKT!)

The trail goes through manuka trees as the trail snakes along the ridge then steps wind down more steeply to Sandy Bay. At Sandy Bay, the signage is a bit lacking but at the edge of the beach head straight across to where the headland juts out and the path goes up through the vegetation a few metres back. You will need to search a bit! The track climbs quite steeply and at first it's quite rocky and loose but that soon gives way to a runnable grassy slope and then gravelly trail.

The track emerges onto the Cape Reinga tourist track with 400m of free running on tarmac to the lighthouse. Dodge the tourists, enjoy the views, take a selfie and then head back and take the time to have a swim at Sandy Bay on the way!