The Cape Brett Lighthouse is one of the stunning lighthouses dotted around New Zealand. It is the last complete example of a clockwork-operated lighthouse still on its original site and sits dramatically on the cliffs of the Cape Brett Peninsula, near the Bay of Islands in Northland.

This iconic lighthouse boasts incredible views and is also a place of deep cultural significance. The headland, Rakaumangamanga, has long been an important site for Te Tai Tokerau Māori, as it guided the first waka (canoes) safely to shore when they arrived in Aotearoa.

How to get there

While it may not look too far from the Bay of Islands, getting to Cape Brett is an adventure! There are three ways you can see the lighthouse. Two include a hike and the other a boat ride.

If you love hiking

The Cape Brett Track is a challenging 32km return walk from Rāwhiti that’s typically done over two days. Doing it over two days, one night means that you’ll stay in the historic Keeper’s Cottage DOC Hut at the end of the peninsula. It’s BEAUTIFUL here. I mean, it's seriously stunning. It’s a basic but comfortable hut with incredible views of the coastline. You’re sure to wake up feeling like you’re on the edge of the world.

If you don’t like the idea of staying overnight, you can also do this hike out and back in one day. Mathew, our best friend and I did this in October 2024, but I only recommend it if you’re very fit. It’s a big day, and the hills are relentless!

A shorter (but no less beautiful) option is to take a water taxi to Deep Water Cove and walk from here to the end of the peninsular. This portion of the track is 4 hours return and boasts the best views of the whole hike. You can catch a water taxi from Paihia or take your own boat over.

If you'd rather relax

If you don’t want to walk at all, Piercy Rock, commonly known as Hole in the Rock, is by the end of the Cape Brett Peninsular, so you might catch a glimpse of the lighthouse from the water.