Whangarei Heads
Whangarei Heads is a water and nature lover’s paradise. You will find sheltered harbour bays on the harbourside and white sand Pacific ocean beaches on the other. The scenery is simply stunning and the area is still relatively unknown. This makes it all the more desirable to visit.
Giant volcanic peaks and stunning natural landscapes greet you as you arrive. The waters of Parua Bay, McLeod’s, Taurkura, Reotahi and Urquhart’s Bays provide an array of family-friendly swimming and picnicking spots.
Dramatic 20 million-year-old volcanic peaks rise steeply from the sea to over 400 metres. These mountains form Bream Head Scenic Reserve and are abundant with wildlife. The area is one of only 5 Brown Kiwi Sanctuaries in New Zealand. From only 50 Brown Kiwi left there are now currently around 800 Brown Kiwi on this peninsula. Years of successful predator control and monitoring by the local “Backyard Kiwi” conservation group made this happen.
Spectacular Walks in Whangarei Heads
The area is home to some of the top-rated walks in the country. The Mt Manaia walk was recently rated within the top national 14 short walks. The Bream Head/Te Whara track (5-hour trek) is one of the top 5 day walks in the country. Busby Head, Smugglers Cove and Mt Aubrey are not to be missed either.
Explore our catered unguided walks package
Clear waters and two marine reserves make the area a water lovers playground for fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling and surfing. Explore our beaches.
Pataua waterways and wonderful beaches
The impressive headland of Whangarei Heads Peninsula
Where Giants Gather – A Northland Journey
Take the meandering road from Northland’s largest city, all the way through Whangarei Heads to the coast and the boundless Pacific Ocean beyond. Follow the great mass of water that ebbs and flows through the towering Whangarei Heads. Walk in the footsteps of those who carved history out of this colossal landscape, and create lasting memories of your own as you journey Where Giants Gather…
Download the ‘Where Giants Gather’ map here
Click to view and print PDF of map and information
