Walk to the southern end of Ocean Beach and climb a very rough track up the cliff to the ridge beyond. Once off the cliff, the track is better formed but still steep. Continue on past a WWII naval radar station to the Bream Head/Te Whara summit. It’s worth the short detour to the viewing platform. The rock formations & coastal views are spectacular.
Half way along the ridgeline, there is the track exiting to the north/Ocean Beach Rd and another going steeply down to the south & Peach Cove. This is a 25min one-way detour and a great spot for overnighting or a swim.
Continue along the ridge to Mt Lion (Matariki) then steeply down to Urquharts Bay, passing the Busby Head loop track.

Great coastal views from many parts of the track.
 

To continue Te Araroa south from Urquharts Bay look out for a boat to take you across the channel to Marsden Point. This may not be possible from Urquharts Bay, so the two tracks descriptions that follow, both still on the northern side of the harbour, simply take you along a waterfront area where you might pick up a ride on a local boat.  You don't have to complete these. The sooner you get a boat ride, the sooner you're heading directly south again, and not just sidling west. There are ramps and jetties right along this coast, and bear in mind that fishing enthusiasts tend to depart boat ramps or jetties early morning or evening. Wind and tides can make crossing hazardous so choose a seaworthy craft, ask for a life jacket, and offer koha (a voluntary donation) for fuel.  Be aware when you reach the the southern side of the harbour, that the area immediately surrounding the Marsden Point Wharf is high security, and closed to unofficial boat traffic. The little beach west of the Marsden Point Wharf, adjacent to the Northport Wharf is a suitable place to land.

If you need to go to Whangarei City for re-supply, there's good hitchhiking from here on along the road.

Nearest shop & phone is at Whangarei Heads.