The famous Cape Brett hut in the Bay of Islands reopens to visitors next month after undergoing a major refurbishment.
Built in 1910 to house workers from the nearby lighthouse and their families, it was converted into a Department of Conservation hut for visitor accommodation in 1955.
Now more than 2500 visitors stay there each year, but with little work being done on it since 1970, it was in need of a touch up.
Cape Brett Lighthouse (Source: 1News)
Over the last eight weeks builders have reclad the old home, relined the windows and given it a full repaint.
Situated 30 kilometres from Russell on an isolated peninsula, it's been a logistical challenge, with workers being helicoptered in and out and with the occasion boat trip.
For others it's a 16 kilometre hike in rugged terrain.
Family-owned business Kiwi Carpentry, based in Awanui, have overseen the project, with 10 staff members living in the remote spot during the job.
Kiwi Carpentry's Rob Bennie (Source: 1News)
Staff have enjoyed the 10 minute chopper ride to and from work, but Kiwi Carpentry's Rob Bennie said they've had to be really organised.
"If we find out we've left a box of screws behind or something else out they're a week away, the helicopter drops us off on the Monday morning and we don't see it again till Friday afternoon."
One exception was life-saving medication for Bennie, who has an allergy to bees.
"I left my EPI pen behind and if I get stung I die, so I had to have it choppered all the way out here."
The view has been one of the best parts. They said the weather has been challenging at times, especially the strong winds.
A map showing Cape Brett in Northland (Source: 1News)
Workers have been sleeping in the old bunk beds in the hut that sleeps 20.
"No arguments, we've all gotten along great, and the fishing's been mean," said builder Daniel Rakora.
"The snorers are in the back, we just divvy it up and try not to sleep too close to each other. The views are mean waking up in the morning," said Joe Barns-Whiu of Northland Painters.
The Cape Brett Lighthouse first lit up the Northland coastline in 1910 and continued to do so for around 70 years before being decommissioned and replaced with an automated one.
Back then the lighthouse was staffed by three men who lived in a settlement at Cape Brett with their families.
They had a school, a lighthouse and a farm. The mail arrived once a fortnight by barge.
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