Rawhiti: Cape Brett, Coast and Culture

Rawhiti combines coastal walks with cultural history. The Cape Brett Track starts at Oke Bay; other tracks and historic sites are nearby. When choosing a place to stay, useful distinctions include the character of the routes, their dependence on the tides and their cultural significance. The walks range from a 16-kilometre route through bush to a one-hour return walk to Deep Water Cove.

Cape Brett Track: Route and Access

The Cape Brett Track starts at Oke Bay in Rawhiti. Oke Bay is a beach accessible via a walking track from Rawhiti Road. Near Rawhiti, the Cape Brett Track runs for 16 kilometres through native and regenerating bush. A significant section between Rawhiti and Deep Water Cove crosses private land.

Access to the Cape Brett walking track from Oke Bay depends on the tides. Before setting out, check current track conditions, as well as tide and swell conditions, and follow the official access information. A one-hour return walk leads from the Cape Brett Track to Deep Water Cove, where swimming and snorkelling are possible; water conditions and access can change. A water taxi to Cape Brett Reserve is available from Rawhiti. Confirm this transport option before travelling.

Whangamumu: Coastal Track and Whaling Station

The Whangamumu Track is an easy walk through forest and along the beach to Whangamumu Harbour. Near Rawhiti, the Whangamumu Whaling Station can be reached via the Whangamumu Track from Rawhiti Road. The remains include oil tanks or containers, a beach slipway and an old boiler. The structures may be unstable; follow the Department of Conservation’s safety guidance.

The beach section to the station can only be walked during the one-to-two-hour window either side of high tide. Plan your walk with the tide in mind and check conditions before setting out.

The two coastal tracks require different preparation: for the Cape Brett Track, take into account access from Oke Bay, tides and swell, as well as the official guidance for the section across private land. At the Whangamumu Whaling Station, by contrast, the window around high tide determines when the beach section can be walked.

Te Araaka: Cultural Tracks

Rawhiti’s cultural history is also reflected at Te Araaka. The path was a tribal trail used by the tūpuna of Ngāti Kuta and Patukeha to bury tūpāpaku in their ancestral burial caves. Te Araaka was also part of a longer tribal trail linking inland Ipipiri with Te Rāwhiti and Rakaumangamanga. Te Araaka Urupā is on an old pā on a ridge and is still in use today. Please respect local tikanga there.

The Cape Brett Lighthouse

Near Rawhiti, the Cape Brett Lighthouse was first lit on 21 February 1910. A large clockwork mechanism powers the lighthouse.

Discover more destinations: Waipu, Matakohe, Lake Ohia, Matapouri, Otaika, Awanui, Kaikohe, Whangaruru

For the overall travel guide: Northland.