Walk 15 – Rakaumangamanga – Cape Brett Lighthouse Overnight Walk

This must be one of the best hikes in New Zealand – a must-do! A difficult but totally rewarding walk… enjoy outstanding views of the outer Bay of Islands, north to the Cavalli Islands and south to Whangaruru and beyond to the Poor Knights Islands, while taking in the peace and tranquillity that only isolation can provide.

Cape Brett the Guiding light: The light at the end of Cape Brett/Rakaumangamanga has guided and protected visitors to New Zealand for hundreds of years. The light reflecting off the crystalline rocks once helped guide the earliest waka to a safe landfall in this new homeland. For the last 100 years, the Cape Brett lighthouse has lit and protected the coast for all seafarers.

Starting our day with a boat ride through the Bay of Islands to Maunganui Bay (Deep Water Cove). Walkers begin with a climb from the once-established fishing village known as Deep Water Cove, up through forest under restoration and intense pest control - responsible for the regrowth of plant species, presence of fantail, wood pigeon, pied tit and tui. Search for native orchids along the track edges and pass over an extensive pā with terracing and kumara pits concealed under the canopy.

The walk is very hard with great rewards, gasping for breath from both exertion and extreme views. Upon reaching the iconic lighthouse above Motukōkako or Piercy Island, the home of the Hole in the Rock, you can see the DOC hut you stay in.

The house has bunk rooms, the kitchen has cooking facilities and is fitted out with long wooden tables - the perfect spot to swap tramping stories. Down at the hut you can unburden your back, empty your pack, make up your bunk, and enjoy whatever refreshments you may have carried out with you while taking in the peace and tranquillity that only isolation can provide.

As we are carrying all our gear into the hut, dinner and breakfast are included and will be freeze-dried hiking meals. We’ll send you the available options to choose from before the walk.

The following morning after an adequate breakfast, a slightly lighter pack and time on your side, trek back over familiar territory with new views back to Maunganui Bay, for morning tea and a boat trip back to Russell.

You will need to bring; lunch for the first day and water, a sleeping bag, pillowcase, plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork, spoon, tramping boots, wet weather gear, any refreshments and of course a sense of humour!

This walk is HARD, you need a good level of fitness and be able to carry an overnight backpack.

Friday 10th October to Saturday 11th October Assemble HQ: 8am (Friday) Depart: Deep Water Cove at 11.30 am, arrive back in Russell at 12.30 pm (Saturday) Duration: 28 hours – walking time 3 hours each way Distance: 6km each way Grade: Hard Maximum walkers: 20 Category: not suitable for children, but we have had some older teenagers who are fine so please contact us first Cost: $260 - includes dinner, breakfast, morning tea (2nd Day), accommodation, guides and water taxis

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Please check what is included and the time and length of your walk so you know what you need to bring in terms of food and water. It’s always a good idea to have a card or cash on you as you never know what you might encounter along the way.

2. The Russell Bowling Club is our Walking Weekend HQ, all walks start from there.

3. How the walks are graded

• We want to make sure everyone enjoys their walks. • Please match your level of fitness to your chosen walks to maximise your safety and enjoyment. • It can spoil the day for you and your group if you set out on a walk you have difficulty completing.

Grade 4 Hard High fitness level required. Tracks variable to rough, with longer distances and steeper sections. Can be muddy/slippery after heavy rain