Bream Head / Te Whara Track
Hike the dramatic ridgelines of Bream Head's Te Whara Track for unparalleled coastal views and native New Zealand bush.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Bream Head / Te Whara Track
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike the dramatic ridgelines of Bream Head's Te Whara Track for unparalleled coastal views and native New Zealand bush.
"Could this be the most insane view in New Zealand? No better sight than rounding the corner as the trail opens up!"
🎯 Go Anti-Clockwise!
Save your knees on the descent and enjoy views directly ahead. Start from Ocean Beach for the best experience.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Steep, rocky, and sometimes slippery sections require good hiking boots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Te Whara Summit
Bream Head Scenic Reserve
Panoramic coastal views that feel like standing on top of the world. Absolutely breathtaking!
Dramatic Ridges
Te Whara Track
Hike along stunning ridgelines with glimpses of the ocean and native forest. A true adventure!
Ocean Beach
Southern end of Te Whara Track
A beautiful beach perfect for a post-hike dip or a bit of surfing. A great way to finish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Te Whara Track Smart
Summit Views & Track Length
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Anti-Clockwise!
Save your knees on the descent and enjoy views directly ahead. Start from Ocean Beach for the best experience.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Steep, rocky, and sometimes slippery sections require good hiking boots.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
This is a strenuous hike, so stay hydrated. No water sources on the track.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible! Don't forget your camera for stunning photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Anti-Clockwise!
Save your knees on the descent and enjoy views directly ahead. Start from Ocean Beach for the best experience.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Steep, rocky, and sometimes slippery sections require good hiking boots.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
This is a strenuous hike, so stay hydrated. No water sources on the track.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible! Don't forget your camera for stunning photos.
⏱️ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 3-6 hours, depending on your fitness and route. Don't rush the summit!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from the Bream Head Te Whara Track summit, calling it an unforgettable experience. The challenging terrain, including steep climbs and rocky scrambles, is considered a rewarding workout. While some find the full track long, the stunning coastal scenery and native bush make it a highly recommended adventure for nature lovers and photographers.
"We recently hiked to the Bream Head Summit and wow — what an unforgettable experience! The track is a mix of lush native bush, stairs, and some rocky scrambles that make the journey feel like a real adventure. It’s definitely a workout, especially the last climb to the summit, but every step is worth it.
Once you reach the top, the panoramic views are absolutely stunning — you can see endless blue ocean, dramatic cliffs, and the Whangārei coastline stretching far into the distance. Not everyone dare to climb to the last part of the cliff. It honestly feels like you’re standing on top of the world 🌎
I’d recommend decent shoes, as some parts can be steep and slippery, but it’s totally doable if you pace yourself.
Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone looking for a challenging but incredibly scenic hike. One of the best spots in Northland — highly recommend! 🌞📸"
Khola Arooj
"Nice pretty ocean view. The whole track is too long and the highlights are all within the first one third of the track, which is between the Ocean Beach and the lookout of Bream Head. So I turned right in the middle and took Peach Cove track to get down the hill, and then went back to the car park along the road. If you have enough time you can do a little surfing at Ocean Beach, it was beautiful as well."
YING LIAO
"Make sure you actually climb the summit. It's not that hard and it's totally worth it. I would recommend starting the track from Smugglers Bay. You can visit the Gun Emplacement first and then climb the 800 stairs onto Mt Lion. Just walk the whole track, make sure to leave the track at one point to visit the summit and finish with a nice bath at Ocean Beach. The 1000 total stairs are pretty exhausting, but If you do the track the other way around you will kill your knees. Better exhausted muscles than bad knees"
Ole Berger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The track has multiple access points. A popular starting point is Urquharts Bay, or you can start from Ocean Beach. If going anti-clockwise, you might need to walk along the road for a short distance between trailheads.
Yes, there are car parks available at both Urquharts Bay and Ocean Beach. They can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
Public transport options to Bream Head are limited. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange a shuttle service for easier access.
Many hikers recommend starting from Ocean Beach and heading anti-clockwise towards Urquharts Bay. This way, you ascend gradually and have the best views in front of you.
While not widely advertised, some local tour operators or taxi services in Whangarei might offer shuttle services for hikers wanting to do a one-way trek. It's best to inquire locally.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Bream Head Scenic Reserve and the Te Whara Track is free. It's a public access area.
The track is open year-round, from dawn till dusk. There are no specific opening or closing times.
There is no entrance fee to access Bream Head or hike the Te Whara Track.
While not mandatory, guided tours can enhance your experience by providing historical and ecological insights. Check with local Whangarei tour operators.
Bream Head is considered a wahi tapu (sacred place) by Māori. Visitors are asked to respect the environment, stay on marked tracks, and take all rubbish with them.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Te Whara Loop Walk is typically 3-4 hours return. However, a full one-way hike from Urquharts Bay to Ocean Beach can take 5-6 hours. 
It's generally considered an intermediate to challenging hike due to steep ascents, descents, and rocky terrain.
Expect stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and the Whangarei coastline. You'll also hike through beautiful native bush.
Toilets are available at the main trailheads like Urquharts Bay and Ocean Beach. There are no facilities along the track itself.
It's a challenging hike, so it's best suited for older children who are experienced hikers. Younger children may find the steep sections difficult.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible 360-degree views. Look out for openings in the forest along the ridgeline for dramatic coastal shots.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers dramatic views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A polarizing filter can help with ocean glare. Consider a lightweight setup for the hike.
Keep an eye out for native birdlife like Kākā and North Island Robins. The unique rock formations also make for interesting shots.
Use your camera's exposure compensation or bracket your shots. Shooting in RAW format will give you more flexibility in post-processing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider doing a shorter section of the track, like the initial part from Ocean Beach, which offers beautiful views without the full commitment. 💰 Budget Travelers
The main costs will be transportation to the trailhead and any food or water you bring. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Focus on the summit for sweeping panoramas and look for openings in the forest along the ridgeline for captivating shots. Consider visiting during golden hour for the best light. Remember to pack a wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod if you plan on capturing sunrise or sunset. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Te Whara Track: Routes and Recommendations
+1For those seeking a more challenging experience or wanting to explore further, there are variations. Some reviews mention starting from Smugglers Bay to visit the Gun Emplacement first before ascending.
Key takeaway: Prioritize the anti-clockwise route from Ocean Beach for the best experience. Always check weather conditions before you go, as the track can become hazardous in poor weather.
The Bream Head Summit: A Climber's Reward
Many visitors emphasize the importance of actually making it to the summit, stating it's 'totally worth it' and not as difficult as it might seem.
+1Pro-tip: Even if you're short on time, try to incorporate the summit climb into your hike. The views are a significant draw and a major reason why people rave about the Bream Head Te Whara Track.
Wildlife and Nature at Bream Head
+1 Visitors have reported sightings of native birds, including the distinctive calls of Kākā flying overhead and the charming presence of the North Island Robin (toutouwai). The reserve is considered a wahi tapu (sacred place) by Māori, adding a layer of cultural significance to the natural landscape.
This reverence for the land is palpable as you hike through the diverse ecosystems. The combination of coastal air, native forest, and the sounds of birdlife creates a truly immersive and peaceful experience. Remember: Please stay on marked trails to protect the delicate environment and its inhabitants. Pack out everything you pack in to help preserve this special place for future visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit