While chilling on the beach at Oke Bay, which is both the start and end point of the Cape Brett Track, I met an Auckland local who had just finished the hike and couldn’t stop raving about it. This is a long and challenging trail, stretching 30 kilometers in total and taking around eight hours each way, so most people complete it over two days.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on my side, so I didn’t get the chance to do this one myself, but from everything I’ve heard and read, it sounds like a great adventure. The trail follows the Cape Brett coastline in Northland, offering stunning coastal views, rugged terrain, and serious elevation gains. At 1,791 meters of elevation, this isn’t a casual walk, it’s a proper challenge. Along the way, you’ll pass steep cliffs, native bush, and, if you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins or seals in the water below.

The track starts at Oke Bay in Rawhiti and ends at the historic Cape Brett Lighthouse settlement. Because part of the trail crosses private land, there’s a $40 per adult access fee, which goes toward maintaining the land. You’ll need to pay this online before heading out. Staying overnight at the Cape Brett Hut is also something you’ll need to book in advance, as it’s a 23-bunk hut that costs $25 per adult per night.

For those who don’t feel like hiking both ways, there’s an option to catch a water taxi back instead. This could be a good call if your legs are completely wrecked after the first day. You can check out more details on their website: Cape Brett Hike.

If you decide to take on this track, just be sure to stay on the marked trail, pack out all your rubbish, and come prepared for a serious hike. It’s a tough one, but from what I’ve heard, the views and sense of accomplishment at the end make it 100% worth it.