Bream Head: A Volcanic Wonder in Northland
Bream Head, also known as Te Whara, is a striking volcanic remnant located on the southwest tip of a peninsula on the west side of Whangārei Harbour in Northland. This area is part of the ancient Taurikura volcanic complex, which formed around 20 million years ago. Bream Head is a must-visit for its dramatic landscapes and rich history. To the north lies Ocean Beach, while Home Point and Busby Head are to the east. Bream Bay stretches to the south, with Paepae-o-Tu/Bream Tail marking its southern tip.
Geographical Features and Tracks
Bream Head is part of the Bream Bay Reserve, which encompasses several ancient volcanic peak cores between Bream Head and Home Point. Notable features include the Te Whara promontory, the highest point at 476 metres, and Mount Lion to the east at 395 metres.
The Reserve has several tracks for exploration. The main track, Te Whara Track, runs east to west along the ridge, providing stunning views from its high points. This historic track, dating back 700 years, once connected several pā in the area. It begins on Urquharts Bay Road in the east and ends on Ranui Road at Ocean Beach in the west. The hike takes five to six hours one way and is best done with a car at each end.
For a shorter walk, the Peach Cove Track starts on Ocean Beach Road. It ascends to 240 metres, crossing the ridge and Te Whara Track before descending to Peach Cove. A DOC hut is available above the cove, but booking in advance is necessary. This track can be completed as a half-day return walk. The easiest option is the Loop Track at the east end, which connects Urquharts Bay to Smugglers Bay, then Busby Head and Home Point.
Flora and Fauna
The Reserve is not only known for its scenic walks but also for its biodiversity. It is a significant Northland coastal forest, home to a variety of native birds such as kiwi, robin/toutouwai, whitehead/popokatea, and parakeets/kākāriki. The area also hosts the endangered flax snail, pūpūharakeke. However, the highlight is the Whirinaki skink, which is found only in a small area at the top of Te Whara!
How to Get There
To reach Bream Head from Whangārei, take Riverside Drive on the north side of the Hātea River towards Whangārei Harbour. The road becomes Onerahi Road, then veers left onto Whangarei Harbour Road. Follow this to Ocean Beach Road at Whangarei Heads. From here, you can access each of the tack access roads. The drive from Whangārei is 33 km and takes around 37 minutes.
Te Whara Track can be accessed from Urquharts Bay Road in the east or Ranui Road at Ocean Beach in the west. For the Peach Cove Track, start on Ocean Beach Road. The Loop Track is accessible from Urquharts Bay.
Whangarei is also the gateway to the Tutukaka Coast, including Matapouri Bay and Whale Bay.
