Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Cape Brett Track, New Zealand. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- New Zealand
- Biome
- Coastal (0–370 m)
- Best season
- October – April
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Coastal (0–370 m)
- Best season: October – April
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Cape Brett Track
Topic summary
A 32-km 2-day walk to a remote lighthouse hut in Northland's Bay of Islands.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: October – April
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Coastal (0–370 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Cape Brett Track trip tools
How to get there
The track starts at Oke Bay in Rawhiti, reached via Rawhiti Road. From Russell, follow Russell-Whakapara Road for 13.8 km, turn onto Kempthorne Road, continue through Parekura Bay onto Manawaora Road, then turn left onto Rawhiti Road at the top of the road. From Whangarei, travel north on SH1 to Whakapara, then follow Russell Road to Rawhiti Road. Paid parking is listed at 253 Rawhiti Road in Kaingahoa, Oke Bay Lodge at 147 Rawhiti Road, Kaingahoa Marae at 243 Rawhiti Road, and Hartwells in Kaimarama Bay. Water taxis operate from Russell, Paihia and Rawhiti, with landings at Deep Water Cove or Cape Brett. Check Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary restrictions before travelling by sea.
- Oke Bay, Rawhiti Road entrance
Starting point for the full track. Walk over the hill, descend the eroded steps and follow Oke Bay Beach southeast to the rocks and track entrance sign. Access is tidal and can be dangerous in northerly swell.
- Deep Water Cove
Boat landing providing access to the public conservation land section toward Cape Brett. The onward track is challenging and exposed, with steep drop-offs.
- Cape Brett
Sea access to Cape Brett Reserve is available at Cape Brett. Water taxi services are available from Russell, Paihia and Rawhiti.
Sources: doc.govt.nz · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Cape Brett Track
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Cape Brett TrackAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Cape Brett Track
Planning to fish Cape Brett Track, New Zealand? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in New Zealand are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Cape Brett Track?
- A New Zealand fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current New Zealand fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Cape Brett Track
Thinking about hunting Cape Brett Track, New Zealand? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in New Zealand are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Cape Brett Track?
- Confirm the land around Cape Brett Track is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in New Zealand?
- A New Zealand hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A demanding coastal ridge walk
Cape Brett Track follows rugged ridges through native and regenerating bush in Northland’s Cape Brett and Whangamumu area. The full walk from Oke Bay in Rawhiti is 16.3 km one way, with an eight-hour walking time and an advanced tramping classification. This is a route for fit, experienced, self-sufficient walkers rather than a casual coastal outing. Forested sections give way to exposed terrain, with steep cliffs and drop-offs beside the track. Beyond Deep Water Cove, the walking becomes more challenging; the onward section toward the lighthouse can take two to three tiring hours. Views extend across the outer Bay of Islands toward the Cavalli Islands, Whangaruru and the Poor Knights Islands. Fish and bird life can be seen below the cliffs, while dolphins and seals sometimes come close to shore. Keep attention on footing even where the views open up.
Tidal access and cliff safety
The Rawhiti Road entrance now leads directly over the hill and down steps onto Oke Bay Beach. Follow the beach southeast to its far end, then climb over the rocks toward the track entrance sign. Navigation apps may not show this changed alignment, so follow the marked access and avoid private property. The beach entrance is tidal: check Bay of Islands tides and avoid high tide and northerly swell conditions when entering or leaving. Within an hour either side of high tide, expect to get wet; northerly winds can produce large waves that make the crossing dangerous. The steps to the beach are eroded and need care. Farther along, remain on the marked track, avoid cliff edges and keep children within sight. Allow eight hours of daylight for the one-way walk, wear hiking boots, carry plenty of water and give way carefully on narrow sections.
Hut stays, walkway fees and track care
Cape Brett Hut occupies the former lighthouse keeper’s house and provides 23 bunks, mattresses, cooking facilities, non-flush toilets and untreated tap water. Book online in advance, boil water before use and carry a treatment system, especially in summer when drinking-water quality cannot be guaranteed. The first 10 km of track crosses land owned by Te Rawhiti 3B2 Ahu Whenua Trust and maintained by its agent, Cape Brett Walkways Ltd. Walkway fees for this private section are $50 for adults aged 18 and over, $20 for ages 5–17 and free for ages 0–4, payable online. The public-land section between Deep Water Cove and Cape Brett has no track charge. Camping, fires, hunting and dogs are not allowed. Pack out all rubbish, including food scraps, to discourage rats. Stay on the track to help prevent kauri dieback, and close gates, including the gate in the peninsula’s possum-control electric fence.
Route options
- Oke Bay to Cape Brett16.3 km one wayAdvanced tramping track
The full ridge traverse through native and regenerating bush to the old lighthouse settlement. Allow eight hours one way. Requires high fitness, tramping experience and careful planning around the tidal Oke Bay entrance. The private-land section requires a walkway fee.
- Deep Water Cove to Cape Brett Hut6 km one wayChallenging and exposed
Access by boat at Deep Water Cove for the public-land section to the hut. This avoids the private-land track section but retains challenging, exposed walking beside steep drop-offs. The onward walk toward the lighthouse takes about two to three hours.
- Deep Water Cove side-track
A detour from the main track down to Deep Water Cove, where swimming and snorkelling are possible. Allow one hour return in addition to the main walk.
Sample itineraries
- Oke Bay to Cape Brett Hut and back · 2 days
Walk the advanced 16.3 km track from Oke Bay to Cape Brett Hut, allowing 8 hours one way. Stay in the booked hut and return along the track the next day. Expect rugged ridges, native and regenerating bush, and exposed cliff sections. Plan both beach crossings around tides and swell.
- Deep Water Cove hut overnight · 2 days
Arrange boat access to Deep Water Cove, then follow the public-land section toward Cape Brett and its hut. Book the hut before departure and arrange return boat transport. This shorter approach still includes the track’s more challenging, exposed terrain; allow about 2–3 hours from Deep Water Cove to the lighthouse.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring trip planning
Check weather, tides and northerly swell before setting out. Wet conditions call for hiking boots and careful footing. A full walk from Oke Bay requires 8 hours of daylight one way.
Summer
Summer hut stays
Carry plenty of drinking water. Water quality at Cape Brett Hut cannot be guaranteed during summer; carry a treatment system. Hut tap water is untreated and should be boiled before use. Tide and swell checks remain essential at Oke Bay.
Fall
Fall trip planning
Check available daylight against the 8-hour one-way walking time. Do not shorten the route by taking shortcuts. Check conditions at the tidal Oke Bay entrance before both arrival and departure.
Winter
Winter trip planning
Ensure the full approach fits within daylight rather than relying on the distance alone. Check weather and sea conditions before committing to exposed sections or boat access. Avoid the Oke Bay crossing at high tide and during northerly swell.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring trip planning | Check weather, tides and northerly swell before setting out. Wet conditions call for hiking boots and careful footing. A full walk from Oke Bay requires 8 hours of daylight one way. |
| Summer | Summer hut stays | Carry plenty of drinking water. Water quality at Cape Brett Hut cannot be guaranteed during summer; carry a treatment system. Hut tap water is untreated and should be boiled before use. Tide and swell checks remain essential at Oke Bay. |
| Fall | Fall trip planning | Check available daylight against the 8-hour one-way walking time. Do not shorten the route by taking shortcuts. Check conditions at the tidal Oke Bay entrance before both arrival and departure. |
| Winter | Winter trip planning | Ensure the full approach fits within daylight rather than relying on the distance alone. Check weather and sea conditions before committing to exposed sections or boat access. Avoid the Oke Bay crossing at high tide and during northerly swell. |
Permits, fees & closures
All trampers using the private-land section between Rawhiti and Deep Water Cove must pay the Walkway Permit fee. Stay on the marked track and leave gates closed. The public-land section between Deep Water Cove and Cape Brett has no track charge.
Fees: Walkway Permit: adult (18+) $50; child/youth (5–17) $20; infant (0–4) $0. These fees maintain the private-land section.
Reservations: Cape Brett Hut must be booked online in advance. Walkway Permit fees can also be paid online through DOC.
Official source: Cape Brett Track - Department of Conservation · Verified September 20, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Steep cliffs and drop-offs create a serious fall risk, especially beyond Deep Water Cove. Stay on the marked track, avoid edges and keep children within sight.
- Oke Bay access is tidal. Avoid high tide and northerly swell. Within an hour either side of high tide, expect to get wet; northerly winds can generate dangerous waves.
- Steps down to Oke Bay Beach are eroded. Take extra care with a loaded pack.
- Navigation apps may show the old alignment. From Rawhiti Road, walk over the hill, descend to Oke Bay Beach, follow it south-east and climb the rocks toward the track entrance sign.
- The undulating route demands high fitness, experience and self-sufficiency. Allow 8 hours of daylight one way and give way on narrow sections.
- Hut tap water is untreated. Boil before drinking and carry a water treatment system, particularly for summer stays.
What to pack for Cape Brett Track
- Tramping or hiking boots
- Rain protection
- Layers suitable for exposed coastal walking
- Plenty of drinking water
- Water treatment system for hut stays
- Food for a long walking day
- Rubbish bag for all waste and food scraps
- Current route information showing the Oke Bay alignment
- Bay of Islands tide information
- Weather and swell forecast
- Hut booking and arranged boat-transfer details where applicable
Wildlife you may see
- Dolphins and seals sometimes come close to shore below the track.
- Fish and bird life can be seen below the coastal cliffs.
- An electric fence crosses the peninsula to reduce possum impacts on coastal bush; close the gate after passing.
- Pack out food scraps as well as rubbish to help prevent rat infestations.
- Boat access may pass through Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary. Check its restrictions before travelling.
Cape Brett Track FAQ
- How difficult is Cape Brett Track?
- It is an advanced tramping track: 16.3 km one way, with an estimated walking time of 8 hours. Rugged, undulating terrain and exposed drop-offs require high fitness and tramping experience. The section beyond Deep Water Cove is particularly challenging.
- Where does the walk start?
- The track starts at Oke Bay in Rawhiti, accessed from Rawhiti Road. Follow the changed alignment over the hill and down to the beach, then south-east to the rocks and track sign. Stay on the marked route to avoid trespassing.
- Can boat access shorten the walk?
- Boat access is available at Deep Water Cove or Cape Brett. Water taxis operate from Russell, Paihia and Rawhiti. Deep Water Cove provides access to the public-land section, but the onward walk remains exposed and demanding. Arrange transport and check sea conditions.
- What facilities does Cape Brett Hut have?
- The former lighthouse keeper’s house is a serviced 23-bunk hut with mattresses, cooking facilities, non-flush toilets and untreated tap water. Book online in advance. Boil water before use and carry a treatment system.
- Are camping, fires, dogs or mountain bikes allowed?
- No camping, fires, hunting or dogs are allowed. Mountain biking is not permitted. Remain on the track to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback, respect private land and leave gates closed.
- Is there a side trip to Deep Water Cove?
- A side-track leads down to Deep Water Cove and takes 1 hour return. Swimming and snorkelling are possible there when conditions are suitable. Account for the extra walking time before adding it to the full Oke Bay approach.