Cape Brett Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

The Cape Brett Track traverses rugged terrain for 16 km through native and regenerating bush. Expect dramatic coastal views; steep cliffs and drop-offs to the side of the track are a feature.

This DOC directory entry covers Cape Brett Track in Northland, within Cape Brett and Whangamumu area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 16.3 km one way
• Walking time: 8 hr
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

• Cape Brett Track alignment changed; First published on 28 January 2026. Last reviewed on 14 July 2026.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The Cape Brett Track has been a cooperative venture between the Te Rawhiti 3B2 Ahu Whenua Trust and the Department of Conservation since 2001.

The first 10 km of the track passes over private land owned by the Te Rawhiti 3B2 Ahu Whenua Trust. This section of the track is run and maintained by the Trust’s agent, Cape Brett Walkways Ltd.

The track runs along the ridge through the Trust’s private land before reaching the 6 km long public conservation land section from Deep Water Cove to the Cape Brett Hutt.

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

From the forested ridges, you can take in spectacular coastal scenery. Towards the Cape, walking alongside the dramatic cliff-face, you can see abundant fish and bird life below - often dolphins and seals will come close to shore.

From Deep Water Cove onwards, the track gets more challenging and becomes quite exposed with steep drop-offs to the sea below.

Although it is not that far to the lighthouse, it will take you about 2-3 hours, and can be quite tiring. The effort is rewarded with outstanding views of the outer Bay of Islands, north to the Cavalli Islands and south to Whangaruru and beyond to the Poor Knights Islands.

Along the track, you will come across an electric fence crossing the width of the peninsula. This was constructed in 1995 to reduce the impact of possums on the coastal bush. Ensure the gate is closed.

Mountain biking is not permitted as the track is unsuitable for this.

Cape Brett Track virtual guide

Watch a NZ Mountain Safety Council video.

Fees and bookings

Fees

A significant portion of the track, between Rawhiti and Deep Water Cove, crosses private land. All trampers must pay a fee that is used to maintain this section of the track. Fees are:

• Adult (18+): $50

• Child/Youth (5-17): $20

• Infant (0-4): $0

Pay your Walkway Permit fees online

There is no charge for the section of track that is on public land between Deep Water Cove and Cape Brett.

Getting there

The track begins from Oke Bay in Rawhiti. Access is also available from the landing at Deep Water Cove. Take care on steps leading to the beach at Oke Bay on Cape Brett Track. The steps have been eroded.

Cape Brett is 30 km north east of Russell. You can get to Cape Brett and Whangamumu via Rawhiti Road.

Access by land

From Russell, take the Russell-Whakapara Road for 13.8 km and turning off at Kempthorne Road. Follow the road through Parekura Bay, continuing on to Manawaora Road. At the top of the road, turn left onto Rawhiti Road.

From Whangarei travel north turning off SH1 at Whakapara. Follow the Russell Road until you get to Rawhiti Road.

Access by boat

To access Cape Brett Reserve by sea, land at either Deep Water Cove or at Cape Brett. A water taxi is available from Russell, Paihia and Rawhiti.

You may need to go through Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary. Before you go check the restrictions for this marine mammal sanctuary.

Know before you go

• Pack out all your rubbish including food scraps, to prevent rat infestations.

• No camping or fires.

• No hunting.

• No dogs.

• Remain on the track at all times (to help prevent spreading Kauri Dieback).

• No unauthorised horses, bicycles or vehicles.

Fall risk

There is a risk of falling on sections of this track due to cliffs. Keep to the marked track and avoid cliff edges. Keep children within sight and do not let them near edges.

Safety

To walk this 16 km undulating track, you need to:

• be self-sufficient and have have a high degree of fitness and experience

• remain on the track at all times do not take shortcuts

• have 8 hours of daylight one way to complete the journey to the old lighthouse settlement

• wear tramping/hiking boots, especially if the track is wet

• take plenty of water to drink during the tramp

• carry a water treatment system if you are staying at the Cape Brett hut as the quality of drinking water cannot be guaranteed during summer

• give way to other people when on narrow sections of the track.

Beware of tides

The entrance to Cape Brett walking track is tidal (from Oke bay). Monitor Bay of islands tide movements and avoid high tide times and northerly swell conditions before you enter/exit.

If you attempt to cross within an hour either-side of high tide, expect to get wet, and if carrying backpacks, caution must be taken. This beach crossing may become dangerous in northerly winds that generate large waves.

Private property and permissions

This track crosses private land for the first 10 km.

Respect the landowner's property:

• stay on the marked track

• leave gates as closed.

Parking

Parking is available for a small fee at:

• 253 Rawhiti Road, Kaingahoa (Julie Witehira)

• Oke Bay Lodge, 147 Rawhiti Road at the start of the track

• Kaingahoa Marae, 243 Rawhiti Road, Rawhiti

• Hartwells, Kaimarama Bay.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.