Spirits Bay (Piwhane), located at the very tip of New Zealand’s North Island, is a place that feels like it’s straight out of a legend. This remote bay is sacred to Māori culture, believed to be where spirits gather before embarking on their journey to the afterlife. The peacefulness of the bay and its surroundings make it feel like a space suspended between worlds.

When I visited, I was blown away by the horses grazing on the hills surrounding the bay, which made for such a unique and picturesque scene. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet reflection or to simply soak in the beauty of nature. Whether you choose to camp at the DOC campsite here or just take in the stunning white sand beaches, there’s something magical about this place.

However, a heads-up: getting to this beach requires tackling a horrible 14km gravel road. It’s thin, windy, and pretty rough, so you’ll definitely want to take it slow. The gravel is really loose in parts, which made it tricky for me to keep control, so I definitely recommend driving cautiously. It’s not the most comfortable drive, but the stunning beach at the end definitely makes it worth it!