McLeod Bay to Little Munro Bay Walk
- Length: 2.5 hours return (2.8 km)
- Difficulty: Easy walk with some steps
- Features: Scenic mature Pohutukawa trees
Starting at the end of Stuart Road in McLeod Bay, this trail follows the coastline through a Department of Conservation (DOC) reserve. At Darch Point Road, you can choose to continue to the end and then turn left onto Reotahi.
Mt Aubrey Walk
- Length: 2 hours (1.5 km)
- Difficulty: Medium fitness with numerous steps
- Features: 360° panoramic views
Beginning from the Tiller Park car park, this track winds between two large boulders and ascends quickly. The shaded bush provides a cool atmosphere, with resting spots to admire views of Pataua and the Pacific coastline.
Mt Manaia Walk
- Length: 1.5 hours return
- Difficulty: Medium fitness with many steps
- Features: Stunning views of the harbor and ocean
This walk takes you up one of several rugged peaks that rise 420m above sea level. Starting with a view from the early settlers’ memorial, the path leads into the bush and up a series of steps that continue nearly to the summit.
Te Araroa National Walkway
- Length: 30 km for the Whangarei Heads section
- Difficulty: High fitness required
- Features: Diverse walking experiences and scenery
Spanning the entire length of New Zealand, the Te Araroa National Walkway passes through Whangarei Heads, starting at Pataua South, traversing Kauri Mountain, along Kauri Mt Beach, through Bream Head Scenic Reserve, around Reotahi coastal walkway, and concluding at the jetty.
Kauri Mountain Beach Walk
- Length: 3 hours to walk the length of the beach
- Difficulty: Easy walk
- Features: Expansive sandy beach with oystercatchers and dotterels
With approximately 6 km of pristine white sandy beach, Kauri Mountain Beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Bring supplies if you plan to walk to the end and back, or arrange for a pick-up at the opposite end.
Pataua South and North Walks
- Length: 20 minutes to 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy walk
- Features: Scenic beaches, estuary, and a picturesque footbridge
Starting from Mahanga Rd car park, you can take a short walk along the Pataua Estuary and over a hill to a beautiful beach known as “Frog Town.” A left turn from the car park leads you along the water’s edge to the Pataua Footbridge.
Smugglers Bay Walk
- Length: 40 minutes return
- Difficulty: Easy walk
- Features: Gorgeous white sandy beach
From Urquhart Bay car park, head left over farmland where you may encounter friendly cows. Pack a picnic and your swim gear to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach.
Busby Head Walk
- Length: 1.5 hours return (3 km)
- Difficulty: Easy walk
- Features: Coastal and beach views
This easy loop walk leads to the historic gun emplacement at Home Point, overlooking the harbor entrance. Continue through coastal forest to reach beautiful Smugglers Cove, where you can swim and picnic before returning via farmland.
Peach Cove Walk
- Length: 2 hours one way
- Difficulty: Many steps; high fitness
- Features: Panoramic views and a secluded cove
Starting from a designated car park 1 km before Ocean Beach, this track leads to a ridge before descending through wooden steps to Peach Cove.
Bream Head / Te Whara Walk
- Length: 5 to 7 hours one way (12 km)
- Difficulty: High fitness required
- Features: 360° views and heritage coastal forest
This track follows an ancient Maori trail. From Urquhart Bay car park, take a left and ascend steeply up Mt Lion. Experience some of the best coastal forest in the North Island along this undulating ridge track, which eventually connects with the Peach Cove track.
Te Whara Loop
- Length: 4 hours return
- Difficulty: Many steps; high fitness required
- Features: Breathtaking 360° panoramic views
This popular loop combines sections of the Bream Head/Te Whara Track and the Peach Cove Track. Follow the Peach Cove track until it intersects with the Bream Head/Te Whara Track, then head left to complete the loop.