Cape Brett hut trampers airlifted out as DoC shuts tracks after slips

The Cape Brett historic lighthouse keeper’s cottage is usually a sought-after place to stay but trampers there recently asked to be airlifted out because of the weather. Photo / Supplied

Nine trampers staying at the Department of Conservation’s (DoC) Cape Brett hut were airlifted out on Monday after slips and rough sea conditions cut off access to the area.

DoC Bay of Islands/Te Pēwhairangi operations manager Brony Hunt said the group requested to be picked up at their own expense and was flown to Urapukapuka because marine conditions meant water taxis to Cape Brett could not operate.

The group was ferried back to Paihia.

Hunt said the 23-bed hut and track were now closed until further notice. Multiple slips were visible from Oke Bay. The Whangamumu Track from Rawhiti Rd to the historic whaling station has also been shut because of slips. Teams were out on Monday checking the wider eastern coastal stretch for further damage.

Campgrounds in the area still had visitors, though Hunt said the number of campers was unknown.

Across the region, DoC is assessing a range of huts, tracks and campgrounds to understand the full impact of the weather system that swept through Te Tai Tokerau over the weekend.

In Whangārei, operations manager Rob Akuhata said Whananaki South Recreation Reserve had no significant issues, but the Puriri Bay campground has been closed until further notice. A slip has affected the road into the campground, and DoC is also concerned about the potential for a slip on the hill behind the ablution blocks.

Whangārei operations advisor Nigel Miller said Waikahoa at Mimiwhangata had also been affected, leading all campers to leave – “except one person who decided to guts it out”.

With another weather front expected on Wednesday and Thursday, further assessments will be required before DoC can offer any reopening timeframe.

The Far North experienced far milder conditions. Kaitāia operations manager Meirene Hardy-Birch said the severe weather between Rāwhiti and Ngunguru was “an isolated event,” and the Far North had only persistent wind, and no flooding or slips reported.

However, she said teams were preparing for the possibility of another weather event later this week. MetService’s three‑day rain radar indicates the potential for high winds and increased rainfall.

The closures at Cape Brett, Whangamumu, Puriri Bay and parts of Mimiwhangata come during one of the busiest periods of summer.

DoC said it expected to have a clearer picture of the full extent of the damage after the next weather system passes.

DoC confirmed full refunds are being issued to people who can no longer access facilities they had booked because of the closures or weather‑related disruption.

Sarah Curtis is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, covering a wide range of issues. She has nearly 20 years’ experience in journalism, mostly as a court reporter in Gisborne and on the East Coast.