Bream Head Coast Walks

Maori originally settled the area and there is archaeological evidence of dense early occupation around the Bream Head area, no doubt this was in part due to the close proximity of the sea and the moderate climate. Many middens are still clearly visible today, there are examples on the roadside around Taurikura and near the track as you walk between Urquhart Bay and Smugglers Bay.

The Whangarei Heads area is a nature lover's delight as you walk through unspoilt ocean beaches, ancient forest and rocky harbour coves. Each area has its own unique wildlife to discover.

Ocean Beach is the home of the endangered dotterel, feeding gannets, seagulls, oyster catchers, shags, terns, pied stilts and the little blue penguin. Visiting pods of dolphins can be spotted cruising the waves and the Whangarei harbour is a very important feeding area for orca which hunt for stingray in the shallows.