Pataua North to Whāngārei Heads

Walking this section

Introduction

Pataua River to Taiharuru Estuary - 2 km

Cross the river to Pātaua South Road and continue to Taiharuru Estuary Track

Note: Once you near the coast, it is private land between the road and the beach so, unfortunately, walking the beach is not an option here – please stick to the road.

There is bed and breakfast accommodation available at Ra Puawai Retreat, 27 Mahanga Road, near km 375.25, shortly after crossing the Pataua footbridge. Details in the Taiharuru Estuary – Accommodation section below. Local and accommodation information follows the Russell Forest to Whangarei.

Taiharuru Estuary Route - 6.4km / 2 hours

From the Pātaua River footbridge, walk south on the main road out of Pātaua. After 1.5km look for a grassed Council Reserve on the left where Pātaua South Road runs along the Taiharuru Estuary.

Walk through the reserve, step onto the 'beach', and head southeast to the rocky point ahead. This is a low tide route.

On rounding that, and crossing the small stream, head for the 2 white marker poles out on the sandbank.

After rounding the next point, you will be facing southwest at the corner.

To cross over the estuary, proceed along the water's edge until a pole with an orange triangle becomes visible – the shallowest place. This Route will look daunting when the tide is covering the estuary but makes sense once the tide goes out.

Stingrays feed in the shallow water of the estuary.  They are not aggressive, but do not like being stepped on. To avoid contact tap the mud ahead with a hiking pole or splash the surface to disturb them

Tide timetable for Taiharuru Estuary Route

To cross the estuary stay well out beyond the mangroves and head for the furthest white pole ahead (orange marker) marking the shallowest crossing place.

Look for the prominent bare clay bank, south side (orange marker), and walk up the bank. Do not cross the fence into the pasture on the west side. Follow the southeast fenceline over the pasture, then along a driveway (at #405) to Taiharuru Road.

Note: This narrow accessway is public land. Please ensure at all times that you do not enter private property.

Turn southwest down Taiharuru Road for 500m to Harambee Road. 1km up this road is the small parking area.

Kauri Mountain Track - 3.2km / 1.5 hours

The track starts by winding up a long driveway, past private homes. (Use the stiles provided and leave gates as you find them as sheep sometimes graze the driveway). The coastal views north are spectacular. 

Near the top of the driveway, follow orange markers to climb over a stile and up through pasture, then regenerating bush to the trig (where the view is blocked by bush). From there, follow the orange-marked bush track down the southern side to Kauri Mountain Road.

From the carpark, walk 2km southeast down this gravel Kauri Mountain Road to a farm gate (look for Te Araroa logo, orange marker). Enter the paddock here, leaving this gate as you find it, and follow the farm track across a paddock heading straight towards Ocean Beach. A few clay steps cut into the bank take you down to the beach. 

Tide timetable: Check the best times for walking 

Ocean Beach Walk - 7km / 3 hours

Wildlife sanctuary:

• Avoid dune nesting sites
• No dogs allowed

When you're first on the beach there is a stream/occasional estuary that changes shape a lot – do check it before attempting to cross and on some occasions, if the tide is high you're best to wait for the tide to drop a little.

Head south down the beach running parallel with DOC’s Ocean Beach Recreation Reserve. 

Near the southern end of the beach, a sand track leads up to a carpark, toilet and Ocean Beach Road.

Note: A freedom camping bylaw is in place that prohibits camping in this carpark.

Please take care when opening gates that you leave them as you find them. There may be farm animals on this track.

Bream Head (Te Whara) Track - 7.4km / 5-6 hours

Note: Low tide is preferably the best time for the very first part of this track.

Tide timetable: Check the best times for walking

This is a conservation area – no domestic animals are allowed (including birds, cats and dogs) and a freedom camping bylaw means Peach Cove is the only option in the Bream Head Scenic Reserve.

Walk to the southern end of Ocean Beach and climb to the ridge beyond. The track is well-formed but 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 and coastal views are spectacular. 

Halfway along the ridgeline, there is the track exiting to the north/Ocean Beach Road and another going steeply down to the south and Peach Cove (DOC hut – not included in the backcountry hut pass). This is a detour – see details in trail notes.

Continue along the ridge to Mt Lion (Matariki), then down a lot of steps to Urquharts Bay, passing the Busby Head loop track.

There are great coastal views from many parts of the track.

To continue Te Araroa south from this point onwards, you'll need to get across the channel to Marsden Point. 

Urquharts Bay to Reotahi - 8.3km

Follow Urquharts Bay Road, Whangarei Heads Road, Bay View Road and Reotahi Track to Reotahi

Transport across Whāngārei Harbour

Blair Jones runs a water taxi across Whangarei Harbour from Reotahi where your trail ends, to the jetty on the Ruakaka side where your trail starts again. Just message him the day before on 021 114 7466. Tell him how many of you there are and what time you would like to be picked up.  Trips are weekdays only. First trip at 8:00am and the Second 2:00pm. Price $100 per trip, Maximum of 5 TA Walkers. The price is $20pp. If you can get groups of 5, it will cost you $20 per person. Groups of 4 will cost $25 per person.

For more information on the Whāngārei Harbour Crossing and Marsden Point please visit Northland Regional Council.

Please consider the following links around boating safety in the Whāngārei area:

Northland Regional Council – safety information for boating in Northland 2018-2019

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

From the carpark, follow Urquarts Bay Road north onto Whāngārei Heads Road. After 5km, turn south on to Bay View Road and walk down to Little Munroe Bay. 

Reotahi Track - 3km / 1 hour

The wide, gravelled track begins on the lower slopes of Mt Aubrey overlooking Little Munroe Bay. It goes around the harbour’s edge to Reotahi Beach (and boat ramp) taking in stunning sea views and passing the historic remains of a freezing works. Very noticeable is the hum coming from the Marsden Point Oil Refinery, just across the 1.5km channel, and the start of Te Araroa’s next coastal section.

Note: If you are hoping to wait and find a lift across to Marsden Point, you are better waiting here at Reotahi than continuing around to McLeods Bay, and note that on the Te Araroa maps, the route line ends at Reotahi.

From the northern end of Reotahi Bay, there is a dirt track heading off the side of Reotahi Beach Road. It climbs the hill to a playground at the end of Norfolk Road. Head up the road to a driveway just past #34. Take this driveway and turn right (north) over the front lawn past the last house. Beyond it are steps leading down to a small footbridge. This track leads to Matuku Street. Follow this, then up to the end of Darch Point Road where a well-defined track follows the headland around to the jetty at McLeod Bay. 

Information on the Whāngārei Harbour crossing and Marsden Point  

Note: Toilets, cafe, phone, accommodation available at the Whāngārei Heads village. At Marsden Cove marina you will find a cafe, toilets and phone facilities. 

Getting there

Northern Start: Pataua River footbridge

Southern End: Jetty at McLeod Bay (southern end), Whangarei Heads

Track conditions

Track standard: Tramping track

Potential Hazards

• No dogs allowed
• At estuary crossings – please make an informed decision on tide flow and height of the tide before crossing as this can be dangerous
• Please respect trail restrictions – do not trespass onto private property
• Clean boots before and after your walk to stop the spread of kauri dieback disease

Transport

Whangarei Heads

• A 2 B Auckland Airport Direct Shuttle - (to/from Whangarei/Matapouri/Tutukaka) - P: 09 459 5221 or 027 273 7307
• Stans Van Passenger Service - RD 4, Whangarei Heads - P: 09 434 0024

Transport across Whangarei Harbour

• Blair Jones runs a water taxi across the Whangarei Harbour from Reotahi where your trail ends, to the Jetty on the Ruakaka side where your trail starts again. Just message the day before on 021 114 7466. The trip charge is $100 for up to five people, so try to get a group together.  Operating weekdays only, departing Reotahi 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. A second trip is possible if there are more than 5 people

• You can also call Peter on 027 417 2440. He runs a service as well. Please contact him at least 24 hours prior.

Accommodation

Pataua South

• Stonelee Cottage - Beasley Road, Pataua South, Whangarei - P: 09 436 5200

• Treasure Island campground - Mahanga Rd, Pataua South (km 375.25) - P: 09 436 2390, or 021 0266 8021 - E: treasure@xtra.co.nz - Please note: Not usually open in winter months, and the basic supply shop is only open for 6 weeks, over the peak summer period. New owners in 2025 now provide takeaway food until 6pm weekdays, and 7pm on weekends.

• Ra Puawai Retreat Bed and Breakfast, 27 Mahanga Rd, Pataua South. (km 375.25)  P: 021 115 4969  E: ldprendiville@gmail.com . A genuine Kiwi 60's bach on the beach. Large deck for relaxing and taking in the stunning views. 3 bedrooms, sleeping 4. All beddings, towels etc provided. Heatpump and laundry with dryer. Full kitchen including coffee machine, coffee and basic supplies. Smart TV with SKY and unlimited WIFI. Hot Springs Spa, 2 kayaks, 2 paddle boards, dinghy plus life jackets. Brazier, wood supplied 

Ocean Beach/Bream Head (Te Whara) Track

• Jaggers camp - a camp for koha/donation - look out for orange marker at km 389.5 on Ocean Beach south of Kauri Mountain. Please call ahead to book - P:021 243 1347 - water, toilets, showers (cold), camping, cabin

• SALT self-contained studio apartments - 75 Blue Horizon Rd, Whangarei Heads - P: 09 434 0785 - Available also is pick up/drop off for walkers with afternoon tea.

• Bream Head Getaway, 310 Ocean Beach Rd, Whangarei Heads - P: 09 434 0655 or 021 550 249 (Melissa). Healthy and wholesome food packs for sale as you pass through, and water top-ups available before heading onto Bream Head. Luggage storage/drop-off is available for those staying so you can walk Bream Head with a daypack.

• Oceans Beach House - 346 Ocean Beach Rd, Whangarei Heads Ocean Beach - P: 021 780 203 - E: oceansfamily@outlook.com. 1 or 2 bedrooms self-contained and self-catering apartment. Very close to Ocean Beach and all scenic walking tracks. Reasonably priced, comfortable, modern and clean accommodation. Your hosts are Gaelyn and Scott Dewhurst

• Te Whara camp at the south end of Ocean Beach. The owners are Rupert and Wendy. They offer camping on their farm with hot shower and toilet facilities and drinking water supply. They are right next to the beach and Bream Head. You can find them at the very southern end of Ocean Beach at the beginning of the Te Whara track at 22 Ranui Rd, off the lower beach carpark. A great place to rest up with stunning beaches, mountain views and kiwis calling at night. Camping only $20 pp per night. Payments cash only. Your hosts Rupert and Wendy Newbold.

• Peach Cove (DOC) standard campsite and hut (8 people). Pre-bookings are required as this hut is locked - P: 09 470 3300

 Whangarei Heads

• Taurikura Studio Apartment - 2397 Whangarei Heads Rd, Urquharts Bay - M: 021 296 5447. This is half way from end Te Whara Track to Reotahi Beach. Beatiful bed for a good nights sleep

• Taurikura Peninsula Seaview Cabin and Camp. There is a cabin for 2-4 persons and available and tent sites for camping P: Brenda 09 434 0150 M: 022 161 2285

• 2363 Whangarei Heads Road – Robert and Megan – P: 09 434 0096 E: rob@thenzartist.co.nz – On trail accommodation offering a room with two twin beds, a cabin with fold out double, or space for around 4 tents.  Cooking facilities available in social room with pool and darts. Tea and coffee included. $30 for a bed, $15 to tent.

• Sparkling Waters Lodge B & B and self-contained accommodation available - 346 Ocean Beach Rd, Whangarei Heads Ocean Beach - P: 09 434 0979 or 021 949 189 - E: jagould@xtra.co.nz

• WHY (Whangarei Heads Yoga) Retreat - 16 Reotahi Rd, Whangarei Heads - P: 022 1608950 - E: whangareiheadsyoga@gmail.com WHY Retreat is a great place to recover and refresh. Comfortable beds, healthy meals, yoga classes, massage, therapeutic sessions and a sauna await just a few steps from the trail route. They offer a 15% discount on accommodation and one complimentary yoga class to trail walkers.

• Seaside Anchorage - 13 Stuart Rd, McLeod Bay - P: 09 434 0161 - E: northern2@slingshot.co.nz

• Thistle Do, bach available, or several tent sites. 25 Beach Road Reotahi. Right opposite where you get the boat for crossing to Marsden Point. Ph 09 434 0006; 027 356 6526 or book via the website.

• Reotahi Reserve. Te Araroa Walkers are allowed to camp here one night only by negotiation with the council. Please erect your small tent in the grass area over the low fence and away from the toilet area. 

• Camp Manaia - 26 McDonald Road off Whangarei Heads Road under Mt Manaia. 
  4 campsites available with good ablutions and small camp kitchen.
  $30.00 minimum per night per site - lockbox available for cash payments.
  Ph - 020 4107 6038 before arriving to check for space. 

Sandy Bay

• Sandy Bay is north of Whangarei, near Tutukaka. Stay at the beach for a short break. Beachfront sheltered lawn to pitch your tent. Indoor shower and toilet table and chairs and large viewing deck with table and chairs. $10 koha per night per person. Owners live onsite. 27 McAuslin Road, Sandy Bay. Text Ian 021 986 518 or Aly 021 896 518 to book

Please consider the following links around boating safety in the Whangarei area

• Northland Regional Council safe boating information

Food and supplies

Whangarei Heads

• Toilets, cafe, phone, accommodation available at the Whangarei Heads village
• The Deck Cafe, 1 Reotahi Road, Whangarei Heads 0174
• McLeod Bay Fish and Chips, 5 Reotahi Road, RD4, Whangarei Heads 0174
• The nearest resupply store is at Parua Bay, 7 km north along the road towards Whangarei
• Four Square, cafes, bakery, toilets, phone, ATM. Some supplies at the GAS petrol station