Matariki Weekend 9 -12 July 2026
Medium fit Tramping!
Cape Brett Walkway & Urupukapuka Island
Urupukapuka Island is one of the Bay of Islands’ best-kept secrets. As the largest of the group’s 144 islands, it is pest-free and known for its pristine, seldom visited beaches and is rich in Māori history, this is a perfect opportunity for us to take a visit and experience this wonderful island. Urupukapuka Island - Bay of Islands Travel Guide - New Zealand
Cape Brett is perched near to the tip of the Cape with exceptional views, lies the light keepers’ house, now converted to a DOC hut. We’ll see lots of wildlife – including, we hope, dolphins.
Cost: $320
Registration closes July 1st
Thursday 9th July: Departing Como Street 5.00pm
Drive to Rawhiti Marae and sleep at the Marae (Marae style on the floor)
Friday 10th July
From the marae we take a day pack and water taxi to Urupukapuka island, and we will have the day there exploring the many tracks and bays of the island before returning to the Marae for the night.
Saturday 11th July: Cape Brett Track: approx 8 hrs
The track traverses through native and regenerative bush. Straightforward through the bush from Rawhiti to Deep Water Cove (3-6 hrs), it continues along the Cape itself traversing a razor back ridge and then descends to the hut (2-3hrs). The track has a mix of steep inclines, declines and plateaus.
The water at the Cape Brett hut is often contaminated due to saltwater - bring all the water with you that you need for drinking and cooking.
Please bring everything you need for a usual away trip (sleeping bag, food, snacks, personal supplies etc). The hut has burner units however it won’t hurt to carry your own gas cooker. Don’t forget your togs and towel!
Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf
Cape Brett Track: Cape Brett, Northland (doc.govt.nz)
Sunday 12 July:
Take the Cape Brett track down to Deep Water Cove and water taxi back to Rawhiti, and the bus back to Takapuna.
Note; If the weather is not suitable for the water taxi be prepared to return to Rawhiti along the Cape Brett track.
Cost $320
Please pay a deposit of $50.00 Upon registering and full payment by July 1st.
Registration:
Places on the trip will be allocated according to the order in which registrations are received, subject to approval from the Trip Organizer and the Club’s Health & Safety Officer, that the person has a suitable standard of physical fitness and experience.
In the event of over-booking, unsuccessful applicants will be wait-listed and allocated if there are any cancellations.
Driver/s:
Organiser: John Porter (0274809664)
