Friends of Cape Brett

The Eastern Bay of Islands coastal landmark is the focus of a significant Department of Conservation restoration project. Willing and enthusiastic volunteers can find a wide variety of opportunities to get involved.

View of the Cape Brett lighthouse

DOC holds a number of work days a year and there are ongoing projects you can assist with.

The community group 'Friends of Cape Brett' consists of people with an interest in or personal relationship with this magnificent lighthouse and the surrounding area. It has been established to aid in the maintenance of the station.

Volunteer opportunities

Activities you can get involved include:

At Deep Water Cove – Andi, Andrew
& Christen

• Help with the upgrade of the site. Upcoming projects include the uncovering of the tramway that runs 350 very steep metres from the landing, up the hill to the lighthouse. Also to be uncovered is the site of the buildings which housed members of the Royal New Zealand Navy during World War 11.
• Other physical work may be required from time to time - it could range from track vegetation clearance to cleaning the internal of the lighthouse.
• Contribute to current research into the site’s history.
• Assist with the production of a quarterly newsletter - we would welcome any articles and/or other input from the public. 
• Possibly help develop a 'Friends of Cape Brett' website that would link the wider lighthouse family and stimulate ongoing interest in the development of the site.
• If you have other relevant specialist skills, you can help by providing support and advice.

Cape Brett tramway

Dates: A few workdays at Cape Brett each year and ongoing activities

On-site accommodation: Cape Brett Hut

Food / transport / other information: Will be advised with each volunteer opportunity. Please note there are no supplies available at Cape Brett.

Volunteer enquiries: Anyone interested in contributing to the future of the historic Cape Brett site can contact Andrew or Christen on +64 9 407 0300 or complete the online volunteer enquiry.

Achievements to date

Here are a few examples of projects that were completed with the help of volunteers:

The Conservation Corps team

• The lighthouse was repainted beginning of 2007.
• DOC and a group of Conservation Corps trainees from the Kerikeri campus of North Tec re-instated a track that connects the site of the principal keeper’s house with the tower. At the end of the three days the team had managed to clear the blanket of very dense kikuyu, cut back the thick manuka/kanuka scrub and remove a kilometre of fencing wire, the accompanying battens and a gate.
• Eight hard working volunteers helped DOC staff to repair and repaint the exterior of the historic Cape Brett hut - a 98 year-old building. Re-glazing was also undertaken. Fortunately, some of the volunteers had skills, which matched the detail required in carpentry on an historic building.

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