The track

16 km of coastline to a lighthouse.

Rolling coastal bush, exposed ridges, and a hut on the headland at the far end of the cape.

Trampers walking along the Cape Brett Track through native bush.

The Cape Brett Track follows the spine of the cape from Rawhiti out to the historic lighthouse keepers’ quarters at Cape Brett Hut, with views down to the Hole in the Rock at Piercy Island.

Distance

16.6 km

One way. Most people walk in one day, sleep at the hut, and walk back out the next.

Time

8-12 hrs

Each way, depending on pace and conditions.

Terrain

Rolling, muddy

Some steep climbs. Coastal weather changes fast. Bring layers and a raincoat.

Two trampers looking out from the Oke Bay coastline at a stretch made impassable by high tide.

One thing to plan

Mind the tides at Deep Water Cove.

The track skirts the coast at one point and is impassable at high tide. Plan to leave early, or stay the night before so you’re on the trail by first light.

Cape Brett Lighthouse on the headland with Piercy Island and the Hole in the Rock visible offshore.

The lighthouse and Piercy Island, the view at the end of the track.

Hut booking

Cape Brett Hut is managed by the Department of Conservation and must be booked in advance. Numbers are capped, so check availability before you commit to dates.

Track fee

Part of the track crosses Māori land. A small access fee supports the local hapū who maintain the track. Pay before you walk via Cape Brett Walkways.

What we provide

Park your car safely while you’re away. Sleep before the early start. Coffee and a shower when you come back. We don’t book the DOC hut or the track fee. Those go directly to DOC and Cape Brett Walkways.

Always check current track and hut conditions on the DOC website before you set out. Information here is a starting point. DOC has the authoritative details.

Wildlife

What you’ll see on the way.

The cape and the bays around it are alive: kererū, tūī, dolphins, the occasional ruru calling at dusk. Slow down and you’ll see most of them.