Cape Brett Peninsula facts for kids
The Cape Brett Peninsula (also known as Māori: Rākaumangamanga) is a long piece of land that sticks out into the ocean. It is located on the northern part of New Zealand's North Island and is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) long. This beautiful area is known for its stunning views and important natural features.
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What is Cape Brett Peninsula?
At the very end of the peninsula is Cape Brett, a point of land that reaches north into the Pacific Ocean. It sits at the eastern edge of the famous Bay of Islands. The peninsula is a popular spot for nature lovers and hikers.
The Cape Brett Track
If you love hiking, the Cape Brett Track is a great adventure. It starts in a place called Rawhiti, near the Oke Bay Scenic Reserve Entrance. You can even take a special water taxi from Oke Bay to Deep Water Cove. This allows hikers to walk just one part of the track. You can find more information about the water taxi service at Sea Shuttle Bay of Islands.
Lighthouse and Hole in the Rock
A tall lighthouse stands proudly at the very tip of the peninsula. This part of the land rises to 360 meters (1,180 feet) high. Not far from the cape, about 500 meters (1,640 feet) away, is a famous natural landmark. It's called the 'Hole in the Rock' and is part of Piercy Island. It's a natural arch that many people visit by boat.
Protecting the Environment
The Cape Brett Peninsula is home to many native plants and animals. To help protect them, a special fence has been built across the peninsula.
The Predator-Proof Fence
This fence is called a predator-proof fence. It helps keep out animals that are not native to New Zealand and can harm the local wildlife. One of these animals is the brushtail possum. Possums were brought to New Zealand and can cause a lot of damage. They especially like to eat the leaves of the pohutukawa tree. These trees are very important to New Zealand's landscape. If possums eat too many leaves, the pohutukawa trees can become very sick and even die. The fence helps keep these trees and other native plants safe.
Oke Bay
The peninsula also includes a lovely spot called Oke Bay. You can find it off Rawhiti Road, about 29 kilometers (18 miles) from the town of Russell, New Zealand. It's a beautiful place to visit and enjoy the coastal scenery.
