Cape Brett Track
Cape Brett - a rugged ridge to the lighthouse keeper’s hut, with the Hole in the Rock and Bay of Islands views
The route
The line through Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1Russell trailheadTrailhead
Start of route [interpolated - upgrade in research]
Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.
- 2Intermediate camp/villageCamp
Staging point (approx) [interpolated - upgrade in research]
Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.
- 3High point / turnaroundSummit
Turnaround (out-and-back) [interpolated - upgrade in research]
Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.
Season & conditions
Year-round
Sun, wind, exposed ridge
Open year-round; hot and exposed; crosses some private land (a fee). Confirm.
On the trail
A switchbacking peninsula ridge with many ups and downs to a lighthouse
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
Moderate
Water-taxi one way to halve it; the Hole in the Rock by boat
Getting there & staying
Rawhiti (Bay of Islands)
Water taxi can shorten it to one-way
Cape Brett Hut (booked, former lighthouse-keeper’s house)
Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote
Services in Russell; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
A private-land access fee applies on part of the track; DOC Cape Brett Hut booking. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
The relentless up-and-down ridge, heat, exposure
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.