The track runs along the ridge through Maori-owned land before reaching conservation land at Deep Water Cove - Manawahuna for the last 6 km of the track.

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.

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.

• Pack out all your rubbish including food scraps, to prevent rat infestations.
• No camping or fires.
• No hunting.
• 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.

Parking

Parking is available for a small fee at:

• 253 Rawhiti Road, Kaingahoa (Julie Witehira)
• Kaingahoa Marae, 243 Rawhiti Road, Rawhiti
• Hartwells, Kaimarama Bay.