Facilities and services
Cooking: 3 x 2 burner units. Gas is provided.
Drinking water is provided at the hut.
Rules
No camping.
No dogs. Cape Brett Hut is located in Manawahuna Scenic Reserve. To protect native wildlife, dogs are not allowed.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
- Youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
- Child/Infant (0–4 years): free
Hut tickets cannot be used at this hut.
Backcountry Hut Passes can be used at this hut. Passes can be used unlimited for a 6 or 12 month period for most Serviced and Standard huts.
Track 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: $40
- Child: $20
Pay your fees online (select a Walkway Permit).
There is no charge for the section of track that is on public land between Deep Water Cove and Cape Brett.
Bookings
Bookings for 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026
Bookings open at 9.30 am on Tuesday 13 May 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
Bookings for stays up to 30 June 2025
Bookings are currently open.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
- Walk to the hut via the Cape Brett Track (16 km, 8 hr). A walking permit is required for Cape Brett Track.
- Boat into Deep Water Cove and walk 2.5 hr (4.4 km) to the hut (part of the Cape Brett Track).
- You can also come ashore at Cape Brett landing below the hut, and walk up to it.
Car storage is available for a small fee at private land adjacent to Whangamumu Walk track entrance and Kaingahoa Marae, Rawhiti.
Water taxis are available, information available at local tourist information centres in Russell and Paihia.
From Russell
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.
Tracks to this hut
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Duration: 8 hr Difficulty: Advanced
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: AV30
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1721030, N6106972
The hut is locked. You will receive instructions on getting the access code in your booking confirmation letter.
You must pack out all your rubbish including food scraps, to prevent rat infestations.
Stop kauri disease and protect kauri
- Scrub all soil off shoes and gear.
- Use cleaning stations.
- Always stay on the track.
DOC Customer Service Centre
| Phone: | 0800 275 362 |
| Email: | bayofislands@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | Pewhairangi / Bay of Islands Office |
Kauaeranga Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 7 867 9080 |
| Email: | kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | 995C Kauaeranga Valley Road Thames 3577 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |