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Urquharts Bay car park, Whangarei Heads
3 km
1 hour 30 minutes
100 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
Are you looking for a spectacular coastal walk that packs a massive punch without requiring a full day of grueling hill climbs? Look no further than the Busby Head Track at Whangarei Heads. Situated in the breathtaking Bream Head Scenic Reserve, this easy 3-kilometre loop is the ultimate Northland micro-adventure.
Whether you are a local wanting a refreshing weekend stroll or a traveler looking to experience New Zealand's dramatic coastline, this trail offers the perfect mix of lush native forest, pristine beaches, and rich cultural history.
Beginning at the picturesque Urquharts Bay car park, the Busby Head Track is a gentle 1.5-hour loop that transitions seamlessly through several distinct coastal landscapes. Because the entire loop has an elevation gain of just 100 metres, it is graded as easy, making it a fantastic option for walkers of all fitness levels.
The journey kicks off with a well-formed gravel path that winds its way up through a canopy of lush, regenerating coastal forest. As you walk, the air is filled with the earthy scent of damp ferns and the salty tang of the nearby ocean. The climb is gradual, meaning you won’t be left gasping for breath, and there are plenty of spots to pause and admire the unfolding views.
Before long, the trees part to reveal the dramatic coastline of Whangarei’s outer harbour. To your right, the deep blue waters stretch out to meet the horizon, punctuated by the jagged silhouettes of the Hen and Chicken Islands in the distance.
The track leads you past intriguing historical sites at Home Point and across the rugged cliffs of Busby Head itself. From here, the trail descends gently toward the shore, delivering you onto the soft, white sands of Smugglers Bay. This secluded crescent-shaped beach is the ultimate reward. After soaking up the coastal atmosphere, the final leg of the loop leads you over rolling, green pastures and back to the Urquharts Bay car park.
This trail is exceptionally kid-friendly, with plenty of historical structures to explore and diverse landscapes to keep young minds engaged. However, because this reserve is a precious sanctuary for native wildlife, dogs are strictly prohibited to protect the local bird populations.
Parking is available at the Urquharts Bay car park, located at the end of Urquharts Bay Road. Clean toilet facilities are provided at the car park. During peak times, the car park can become busy and spaces may be limited.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Apteryx mantelli
The kiwi is New Zealand's national icon, a nocturnal and flightless bird known for its long, sensitive beak with nostrils at the tip, used to sniff out food.
Best time: Year-round (nocturnal)
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
The New Zealand wood pigeon, or kūkupa, is a large, colourful native pigeon known for its distinctive cooing call and its vital role in dispersing seeds of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
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Loop
To reach the trailhead, drive from Whangarei along the scenic Whangarei Heads Road. Follow the road all the way to the end of Urquharts Bay Road, where you will find the Urquharts Bay car park.
The drive itself is highly scenic, hugging the edge of the harbour for much of the way. The car park has clean, well-maintained toilet facilities. Because this is one of the most popular starting points for walks in the area, the car park can fill up quickly during sunny summer weekends and public holidays. It is always a good idea to arrive a little earlier in the day to secure a spot.
The Bream Head Scenic Reserve is a treasure trove for birdwatchers, thanks to intensive, community-led pest control efforts that have allowed native species to thrive.
As you walk through the forested sections of the track, keep your eyes and ears open for the heavy, rhythmic swooshing of the Kūkupa (Kererū / New Zealand pigeon) flying between the puriri trees. You are also highly likely to hear the beautiful, complex song of the Tūī ringing out through the canopy.
If you sit quietly near the forest floor, a curious Toutouwai (North Island Robin) might hop down to inspect your boots for kicked-up insects. Overhead, you will often see the majestic Kāhu (Australasian Harrier) riding the coastal thermals above the farmland.
During the spring and summer breeding season, the coastal cliffs of Busby Head host nesting Ōi (Grey-faced Petrel). Bream Head is also a vital sanctuary for the rare, nocturnal North Island Brown Kiwi. While you are highly unlikely to spot one during the day, knowing they are slumbering nearby in the burrows makes this ancient coastal forest feel incredibly special.
The Busby Head Track is a fantastic year-round destination, with each season bringing its own unique charm:
Best time of day: Start your walk either early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Not only does this help you beat the midday sun and secure a parking space, but the low golden-hour light over Bream Bay makes for truly spectacular photography.
What to bring: Even though this is an easy walk, New Zealand's coastal weather can change quickly. Wear sturdy walking shoes or sneakers, as the clay track can become slippery after rain. Bring plenty of fresh water, a camera, and high-quality sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat), as the farmland section of the loop is highly exposed to the elements. A light windbreaker is also recommended to ward off chilly coastal breezes.
The land you are walking on is deeply sacred to the local Ngātiwai iwi (tribe). Busby Head is classified as wāhi tapu (a sacred place) due to its centuries of human occupation and spiritual significance. Visitors are asked to show respect by staying strictly to the formed tracks and avoiding climbing on archaeological sites.
The Bream Head Scenic Reserve is considered an ecological island. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Bream Head Conservation Trust, this area is virtually predator-free, allowing vulnerable native ecosystems to regenerate. Walking here is a chance to experience what coastal New Zealand would have looked and sounded like prior to the arrival of introduced pests.
After completing the loop, you will likely have worked up an appetite. Luckily, Whangarei Heads has some fantastic local spots to refuel:
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Petroica longipes
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Found in native bush reserves across the North Island.
Best time: Year-round
Circus approximans
The kāhu, or Australasian Harrier, is New Zealand's most common raptor, often seen soaring gracefully over open country, farmland, and coastal areas searching for prey.
Best time: Year-round
Pterodroma macroptera gouldi
These 'at risk' seabirds nest in burrows on the mainland cliffs of the Waitākere Ranges, including around Te Waha Point, returning to breed during spring and summer.
Best time: Spring-Summer (breeding season)