Bream Head
Also known as Te Whara
Whara, the highest point of the Bream Head scenic reserve, lies at the entrance to Whangarei Harbour. Once used as Maori burial grounds, Te Whara is sacred to local iwi, and for this reason (amongst others) you must stick to the marked tracks. There are a number of sites of archaeological interest, including Maori midden and pa remnants, and WW2 gun emplacements. The reserve also has special natural significance, and is home to the largest remaining stand of coastal broadleaf and pohutukawa forest in Northland, as well as native wildlife, including kiwi, kaka, green geckos, and rare flax snails!
| List Status | Official |
| Elevation | 476 m (1,562 ft) |
| Location/List | North Island, New Zealand |
| Region | Northland |
| Location Coordinates | 35° 51′ 16″ S, 174° 34′ 38″ E |
| Nearest Town/s | Whangarei
|
| LINZ Topographic map/s | AX31 Bream Head |
| Geology | Volcano |
| Recommended Route | |
|---|---|
Duration  |
2-5 hours (return) |
| Distance | 5.2 km (3.2 mi) |
| Start/End Points | Ranui Rd or Urquharts Bay Carpark/Ocean Beach Rd |
| Difficulty |
Medium |
| Track conditions |
Track |
| Season |
All year |
| Sights | Ocean views, native birds, WW2 structures,?, Slippery, cliffs |
Google Earth Map
- You can also
view Bream Head in Google Earth
NZ Topographic Map
Our Recommended Route
There are two main ways you can bag the summit of Bream Head. The first (and shortest) option is to start from Ranui Rd (off Ocean Beach Rd), head up Peach Grove Track, and then loop around across the summit, and down past the radar station back to Ocean Beach Rd.
The second is a 5 hour one way walk from Urquharts Bay, up to Mt Lion (395m) and along the ridge to the 476m summit of Te Whara. From here you drop down to Ocean Beach Rd, to your prearranged transport (or perhaps to a return walk along the road to Urquharts Bay).
Height Profile
