The Tasman-side beach below the cape is wild, exposed, and rarely visited. The Te Werahi walking track from the lighthouse car park descends a long ridge through scrub to the sand, a return walk of around three hours that ranks among the most rewarding short hikes in the far north.
Once you're down, the beach is yours: a sweep of pale sand backed by dunes, hammered by Tasman swell. The water is cold and currents are strong — swimming is not advised. The track continues south for the longer Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway, eventually reaching Ninety Mile Beach.