06 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers, mainly in the east in the morning, clearing to fine in the evening. Easterlies easing in the evening.
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1 / 23Bream Head Scenic Reserve
Te Whara Track
Follow in the footsteps of Northland's Māori ancestors. This challenging track climbs through coastal forest before revealing a spectacular 360-degree panorama. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
Distance
7.5 km
Walking time
5-6 hr one way
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Northland forecast
Issued 6 Oct 2026, 4:51 am
07 October 2026
Cloud clearing and becoming fine in the morning. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.
08 October 2026
Mainly fine, but isolated showers in the afternoon. Southerlies, dying out in the morning.
09 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing in the afternoon. Easterlies.
10 October 2026
A few showers. Northeasterlies, dying out.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Te Whara Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Te Whara Track
Te Whara track follows an ancient Māori trail from Ocean Beach to Urquharts Bay. The track passes through some of the best coastal forest in the North Island. At the Bream Head summit, towards the Ocean Beach end and not far from the ruins of a WWII radar station, enjoy a magnificent coastal panorama. Take in views of Cape Brett (Motukokako) in the north to Cape Rodney (Tawharanui) in the south, as well as the Poor Knights islands Tawhiti Rahi and Aorangi, Taranga and Marotere Islands in the Hen and Chickens Islands group, with Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier and Great Barrier/Aotea Island in the far east. Once you've climbed up onto the ridge, the track becomes undulating and relatively easy-going. To minimise disturbance to the area, and out of respect to local iwi and their ancestors, do not leave the marked tracks.
Essential information for Te Whara Track
Rocky outcrops have steep drop offs - children should be well supervised. Ensure you take your mobile phone as reception is possible for most of the track.
Kauri protection guide
Clean your footwear, tyres and equipment before and after visiting our kauri forests. If you are walking your dog, you should also make sure you clean their paws. Use cleaning stations every time you pass one while you are walking in a park. Stay on the tracks and keep off kauri roots. Stay away from closed tracks. Don't remove soil from, or bring soil into, areas with kauri trees.
Huts and campsites
Peach Cove Hut is an optional stopover. To get there, you'll need to turn off at the Peace Cove Track and descend down the steep track to reach the hut. The hut has eight bunks and must be booked in advance on the DOC website.
Getting there for Te Whara Track
Access this one-way track from the Ocean Beach car park on Ranui Road, finishing at the Urquharts Bay car park. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way to Ocean Beach car park. Alternatively, start from the Urquharts Bay car park , finishing at Ocean Beach car park. If you don't want to walk the entire length of the ridge, you can park at the entrance to Peach Cove Track and enter/exit via that track.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Weather and track conditions
While usually relatively settled, low pressure systems from the north can bring very heavy rain and strong winds.
Dog access for Te Whara Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Te Whara Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.