Smugglers Bay, Whangārei Heads

Smugglers Bay is an idyllic hideaway with fantastically clear water and sparkling white sand. There are beautiful mature Pōhutukawa trees for shade, you can fish from the rocks at either end of the beach, or snorkel the crystal waters.

The direct walk, from the Urquharts Bay carpark over a gentle hill, takes about 20 minutes one way. You will need to carry all of 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! 

This beach is part of the fairly easy Smugglers Bay Loop Track, although there are some steep parts, that will take about two hours. Enjoy coastal forest, spectacular coastal views and an historic WWII gun emplacement

Drive time from Whangārei city to the Urquharts carpark is approximately 40 minutes.