Cape Brett Hole-in-the-Rock
- Address: Rawhiti
- Hours: Open daily
- Admission: A walking permit is required for the Cape Brett track
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Nature & Wildlife,
Sailing,
Walking/Hiking
Wild and lonely Cape Brett is a remote location on the scenic back road leading along the coast from Russell.
Along the route is the traditional Maori village of Rawhiti, the starting point for the rugged 7.5-hour trek to Cape Brett. On reaching the cape, hikers are rewarded with shelter for the night in the Cape Brett Hut.
For non-hikers, Cape Brett is a popular day cruise destination from Paihia or Russell. The cape is famous for its ‘Hole in the Rock’ on neighboring Motukokako Island, a natural archway formed by ceaselessly pounding seas over the centuries.
As well as spotting dolphins, penguins and other wildlife along the way, the cruise passes a lovely seaside landscape of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs, and the lonely lighthouse on the tip of Cape Brett.
Latest Reviews
Review by Sally R, April 2013
Doing what: Best of the Bay Supercruise - Original Cream Trip
Great trip, despite the weather, which prevented us from swimming with the dolphins although we did get to see them. Beautiful scenery and really well-informed crew. Fantastic way to see the Bay of Islands.
Review by Martin C, March 2013
Doing what: Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock Scenic Helicopter Tour
Excellent - one of the best ways to see the area
Review by Jeffrey J, March 2013
Doing what: Best of the Bay Supercruise - Original Cream Trip
The Cream Trip was the only experience we booked ahead of our arrival in New Zealand. We had high expectations and were not disappointed. Fantastic commentary from the (female) skipper. Lots of laughs - not intrusive, and very interesting. We loved our lunch time stop on the island: lots of options, and we thought our fish and chips were the best we've had in ages. I am prone to sea sickness and had no problems on this well sized vessel - not too big, but spacious, light, smooth and everyone had a good view. Being on the water and getting out onto the bay to see all the islands will remain one of my favourite holiday memories. I would do it again!
Practical Info
Cape Brett Hole-in-the-Rock is on the northern tip of a peninsula east of the town of Russell. Motukokako Island is just offshore.
