Cape Brett Walkway

This challenging 8-hour track requires a high degree of fitness and hiking experience but you will be rewarded for your effort.

The track begins at Oke Bay, near Rawhiti, and takes you through native forest and along dramatic cliffs to the lighthouse at the end of the cape. When you look down to the ocean and bays below, you might see dolphins playing in the waves. From Deep Water Cove onwards, the track gets more challenging and becomes quite exposed with steep drop-offs to the sea below. The area is rich in early Maori history, and the remains of ancient pa sites (fortified villages) are visible at various locations.

Alternative routes

You can take a side-track (1 hr return) down to Deep Water Cove, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and snorkel.

Getting there

• From Whangarei travel north turning off SH1 at Whakapara. Follow the Russell Road until you get to Rawhiti Road.
• A water taxi is available from Russell and Paihia.
• You can stay overnight at the lighthouse keeper’s house. Bookings through the Department of Conservation are essential.

Need to know

• Take extreme caution as there are many bluffs and steep cliffs.
• There is a fee ($40 adult, $20 child) to cross private land between Rawhiti and Deep Water Cove. This can be paid at the Bay of Islands i-SITE Visitor Information Centre.
• Parking at 253 Rawhiti Road (Julie Witehira), Kaingahoa is recommended. Secure parking is also available at Hartwells, Kaimarama Bay, end of Rawhiti Road, for a small fee.