Four heart-pumping walks that explore Bream Head Scenic Reserve
Published on 16 August 2024
Bream Head Scenic Reserve is home to several of Whangārei's best walks and hikes, with incredible coastal views and native bush tracks to explore.
Here are four walks ideal for explorers with a high level of fitness. Be warned—there are stairs!
Te Araroa Trail
The Te Araroa Trail stretches the whole length of New Zealand, venturing along beaches, over mountains and across rivers. The Whangārei Heads section starts in Pataua South then climbs over Kauri Mountain and along Kauri Mountain Beach. It then heads over the Bream Head Scenic Reserve and around the Reotahi coastal walkway before finishing at the jetty at the southern end of McLeod Bay.
The Te Araroa Trail is well signposted, with markers along the route.
Need to know
- Length: 30km, full day walk.
- Where to find it: Start at the footbridge that connects Pataua North and Pataua South. The trail ends at the jetty at the southern end of McLeod Bay.
- More information: Northland, teararoa.org.nz.
Bream Head / Te Whara Track
This track follows an ancient Māori trail. From Urquhart Bay carpark head left and follow the track as it climbs steeply up Mt Lion. Walking through the reserve you will experience some of the best coastal forest in the North Island.
The undulating ridge track eventually intercepts the Peach Cove track. Carry on and climb the Te Whara / Bream Head Summit at 476m above sea level, and enjoy a spectacular, coastal 360-degree panorama taking in Motu Kōkako (Cape Brett) in the North to Tāwharanui (Cape Rodney) in the South. In between you can see Tawhiti Rahi and Aorangi (Poor Knights), Marotere (Hen and Chickens group), Hauturu (Little Barrier) and Aotea (Great Barrier) in the far east.
Heading towards Ocean Beach you will pass the WWII naval radar station. Take in the views looking north towards Kauri Mountain. A well-earned swim in the clear waters at Ocean Beach is highly recommended.
Need to know:
- Length: 7.5km (one way), 5 to 7 hours (one way).
- Where to find it: Start at the Urquhart Bay carpark at the end of Urquharts Bay Road. The trail finishes at Ocean Beach; consider taking two cars and parking one at either end.
- More information: Te Whara Loop, doc.govt.nz
Te Whara Loop
Combining parts of the Bream Head and Peach Cove Tracks, this four-hour return walk offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views.
This is a popular walk that combines parts of The Te Whara Track and the Peach Cove Track to form a loop walk. Follow the Peach Cove track until it is intercepted by the Bream Head / Te Whara track. At this point, head left on to the Te Whara Track and carry on climbing the Te Whara / Bream Head Summit at 476m above sea level and enjoy spectacular coastal 360-degree panoramic views.
This vantage point, with one of the best views in Northland, is reached via a spur track which follows the ridge line just as you start to descend. Look out for this track at the top of the first set of descending stairs having just traversed around a large rock. The summit rock is a short distance along the track. Climbing the rock is challenging but well worth the effort. Care should be taken as there are steep drop offs in this area.
Need to know
- Length: Four hours return
- Where to find it: Start and finish at the Peach Cove Carpark, 1km from Ocean Beach. To find the carpark from Ocean Beach, walk through the car park and follow the road up to Ocean Beach Road. Turn left and follow the road back to the Peach Cove car park.
Peach Cove Track
Start from the sign posted car park located 1 km before Ocean Beach. Park just inside the entrance as this carpark is a private driveway. Follow the track to the ridge and head right. The track becomes a formed gravel path broken up by sets of wooden steps descending steeply to Peach Cove.
The track only goes one way, up and over, so unless you can arrange pick up by boat, you must return by the same route.
Need to know
- Length: 3.6km (return), 2 to 3 hours (return)
- Where to find it: The Peach Cove carpark is located on the right, 1km before Ocean Beach.
Please note: these walks all require a decent level of fitness; be prepared for steps, steps, and more steps. Make sure you pack accordingly, with water, snacks and appropriate footwear, and keep an eye on the weather forecast. The tracks may be slippery after periods of heavy rain.
Bonus walk: Smugglers Bay
If you want to enjoy the beauty of Bream Head without the aching legs, head to Smugglers Bay, an idyllic hideaway with clear water and sparkling white sand. There are beautiful mature Pōhutukawa trees to picnic under, plus you can fish from the rocks at either end of the beach or snorkel the crystal waters.
There are two access options. You can choose to walk directly from the Urquharts Bay carpark over a gentle hill, which takes about 20 minutes one way. Or you can walk the Smugglers Bay Loop Track, which will take about two hours. The gentle (but occasionally steep) track meanders through coastal forest and paddocks. It has great coastal views and a historic WWII gun emplacement.
Need to know
- Length: There is a 3km and 5km option for the loop track, while the path directly to Smugglers Bay will take about 15 minutes.
- Where to find it: There is a carpark (and toilets) at the end of Urquharts Bay Road.
- You will need to carry all your gear in and out (please take your litter with you) as there are no facilities at the beach. And you may meet some curious cattle along the way!
Created in conjunction with Discover Whangārei Heads.