Gives you the option of a dramatic and physically demanding walk along a high ridge line through coastal native forest or a choice of gentler options in the same spectacular landscape.
After breakfast, enjoy a lift back to Ocean Beach. If you didn’t get up to the lighthouse yesterday have a look today!
Option one: Ocean Beach to Urquhart Bay
At the southern end of the beach follow the orange markers to Te Whara track (the lighthouse is a short distance up here). This 7.5 km track follows an ancient Maori trail from Ocean Beach to Urquhart Bay through the best remaining example of coastal rainforest in the North Island. A good level of fitness is required for this 5 – 6 hour trip.
Option one is a tramp, rather than a walk, and is suitable for experienced hikers and those looking for a challenge. Sturdy boots and walking poles are recommended.
Option two: Peach Cove
From Ocean Beach walk along the road for approximately 1 km to the beginning of the Peach Cove track, or get dropped off here. This 3.6 km track takes you across pasture and scrubland then climbs steeply through broadleaf forest and meets the main Te Whara track. From here you drop down steeply to a small sandy beach. A moderate level of fitness is required for this 2-2 ½ hour return walk.
Option three: Busby head/Smugglers Bay
From Ocean Beach walk along the road to Urquhart Bay, approximately 4 kms, or get dropped off here. Turn left into Urquhart Bay Road and walk to the end of the road. A round trip to Busby Head and the gun emplacement at Home Point is 1 ½ hours, Smugglers Bay is 20 minutes away and an idyllic spot for a swim.
Other options:
It is also possible to do half of option one - either the Ocean Beach end or the Urquhart Bay end, either option takes approximately three hours. We are very flexible about dropping off and picking up, or you can take your own car.