Cape Brett Lighthouse Walk

16km – 8hours or 6km – 2.5hours Picturesque Cape Brett juts out into the Pacific Ocean at the eastern end of the Bay of Islands, and there on that lonely promontory sits a windswept lighthouse that’s been keeping seafarers safe since 1906. With two ways to attack this walk, you can choose to do it the eight hour, 16km hard way from Oke Bay in Rawhiti or, if you’re feeling more indulgent, arrange for a water taxi to take you from Russell (or Paihia) and deposit you at Deep Water Cove. This second option means the walk to the lighthouse will be a much more leisurely two and a half hours, or 6km. And whichever way you do it, you will be serenaded as you go by choirs of local birds as you pass through regenerating native bush and traverse spectacular coastal paths. Winding and weaving along undulating paths, occasionally quite steep and narrow, sometimes you’ll be sheltered beneath Manuka canopies, and other times you’ll find exposed and narrow single-file trails, and eventually you’ll be deposited at the welcoming Department of Conservation hut. As you enjoy the coastal sections do keep an eye out for the seals and dolphins that regularly visit these shores. So which way will you do it? Do you take the water taxi to Deepwater Cover and then let it transport you back to historic Russell at the end of a modest hike? Or do you walk in with all your gear and food and stay a night or two before heading back to the road? Bearing in mind the latter option requires you to be pretty fit and very well prepared. The hut is very alluring though, with its spectacular views, cooking facilities and 23 beds but bookings are essential. It’s also important to note, if you’re driving yourself to the start of the track, you’re well advised to organise secure parking and you will also need to pay a track maintenance fee for crossing private land between Rawhiti and Deepwater Cove, $20 children $40 adults. Considering all of that, unless you like doing the hard yards, the water taxi idea is very practical – no fees, no car cares, no worries.