The Story

Rākaumangamanga was the landing point of the first seven waka that travelled from Hawaiiki to Aotearoa, whose occupants followed the beaconing lights of the peninsula’s crystalline rocks. The seven distinctive peaks that mark Cape Brett's spine represent those first seven waka. The Rākaumangamanga region, which stretches back into Pēwhairangi (the Bay of Islands), remains an area of spiritual and traditional importance to Te Tai Tokerau Māori.

In 1906 Cape Brett became the site of a lighthouse that continued to light a safe passage for new arrivals. Built strategically at the entrance to the Bay of Islands, the 14-metre lighthouse protected seafarers from the rugged coast for over 70 years. It was looked after by up to three families at a time, who lived in this beautiful yet isolated spot.

In 1978, a smaller automated light was installed. With automation came the end of the settlement. One lighthouse keeper’s cottage remains, which is now a Department of Conservation hut – a solitary reminder of the challenges of being a lighthouse keeper in this remote place.

Rākaumangamanga - Cape Brett Lighthouse is proudly cared for by the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai