Cape Brett Walkways — Attraction in Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community

Okay so I will start this by saying for the general population, we are quite fit (23,29) females. For the fitness community, we are “average”. I will say, we started this hike at the middle of March after a long drought and the trail was dry but wow you would be a brave soul to do this on a rainy day or after a rainy week - we still went through muddy patches. I would not attempt if it had been raining.

We weren’t sure of how long it would take us and the DOC lists this as expert, and one of my mates said there were “scrambly bits” (spoiler: there are not, he lied). One of the signs listed says 8 hours, the next 7.5, and the following 8 hours again. We started at Oke Bay (There is a sign like this one indicated the beginning of the trail) at 630am (before sunrise). We reached the Deep Water Cove junction at 1030am, and this was with breaks and pictures. There was up and downs (maybe about 8 total, but it was a long up and a long down, long up and long down, etc) but very manageable and I would say easy, even. This part of the hike (11kms) was very well shaded and not at all exposed. Honestly I think anyone with average fitness can do this part of the track. About 40 minutes after the junction, the trail gets a lot more difficult. The trail itself gets smaller and it has more exposure with cliffs on either side (an older couple we met were quite nervous walking). It also gets a lot steeper! The trail itself is still well maintained, and I would call this an easy to intermediate hike. So at the junction, it predicts 2.5 hours to the hut and for us, this was accurate. We arrived at the hut exactly 2.5 hours after we left the junction (included several minutes for pictures at the lighthouse and rests). Once you get down to the hut, there is also a jetty and it’s possible to organize (on good weather days), a water taxi from the Cape back to Oke Bay($250 for the boat for up to 5 or $50pp for more than 5) or if the weather isn’t good, from Deep Water Cove ($200 for the boat up to 5 or $50pp more than). We organized with Bob and Louise (can get their info from Russell’s information center, talk to Brita she’s an absolute gem), and I would recommend them as Bob has quite interesting history for you on the return. It’s expensive but if you book two days in advance, maybe you’ll get lucky like we did and another couple will also book the same day! Overall, this is a great track, very beautiful with some great views....

Through the book Epic Hikes of the World published by Lonely Planet, this is one of the 50 incredible hiking routes in 30 countries, however, before you go there are several things you should really consider/know. (1) This is a fairly long hiking route, prepare enough water, (3L and an energy drink recommended personally) of course it may vary associate with the weather. (2) I believe you found it says: Advanced on DOC’s website, in the first 5 hours you might doubt it. By the way it’s around 22 km on my phone. In the first hours there is a spot with a big water tank collecting rain water, and then you can find a toilet, pest free fence, ranger’s hut (8 km) on the track, then the cross to the deep water cave, 30 minutes after that the view will get better but steeper road. (3) Do not expect too much for the sceneries, not much there, over 95% of the track is just normal NZ tropical forest, most time you can only see plants around you. (4) There were gas and water in the hut, and some cookers, tableware as well, no showers, but non-flushed toilet, and it’s warm, even during the midnight, I guess that will depend on and the number of people, have a look on the hut booking website one day before you go, if many people booked it then bring a light sleeping bag, comfortable temp 20 should be enough if there are over 10 people in the hut. (5) To use this track, a 40 NZD nightly permission is request on the DOC’s website, and 15 NZD for the hut. And the hut really worth it, and the track not really, but I am willing to pay it if the money can help build the pest free fence and protect local species. (6) If you just want to see those sceneries, there was a water services, try that, and you don’t need to pay for the track between the deep water cave and the hut (2.5...

Moderate to difficult walk. Many steep climbs and descends over uneven surfaces. Would not recommend in wet especially with pack weight for overnight stay. The first two thirds of the hike is in relatively mundane typical NZ bush that you could encounter on most NZ trails but with that being said the jewel of this hike is once you reach the exposed track section after deep cove junction. You are met with sheer cliff rock faces and panoramic views over the blue ocean which then leads you past the well preserved lighthouse and into the magically situated hut. Sunset and sunrise at the hut is worth the hike itself. if i was to do it again i would water taxi to deep cover a beautifully secluded swim beach and hike out to hut and return back to deep cover...