There are wonderful walks here at Whangarei Heads, mostly on land owned by The Department of Conservation (DOC), the Bream Head Scenic Reserve or Whangarei District Council . Most are also part of Te Araroa, the walk which stretches 3000 km, the full length of New Zealand -from North Cape, North Island to the Bluff, South Island. Many are bush walks with great sea views in places, and will take a few hours. Enjoy the wonderful scenery, look out for birds, and stop for a swim. Take water and a snack, and don’t forget the camera as the views are often breathtaking!

 Within walking distance from WHY RETREAT to the track head

●       Mount Manaia Track 3.5kms - the ultimate climb in the area for bush and views. Approx 3 hours return from WHY 

●       Reotahi Point Walk – a 30 minute return walk from WHY to Reotahi Beach. Swim or snorkel at the Marine reserve or wander around the ruins of the freezing works (c1900).

●       Darch Point Walk  - 1 hour loop track from WHY through bush around the point past the McLeod Bay Wharf and the historic Settlers Church

●       Mt Aubrey Track – 1.5 – 2 hours loop track which goes over Mt Aubrey and includes the Reotahi point Walk 

●       Early Settlers Cemetary Walk  - 1 hour return from WHY along the beach at McLeod Bay

Driving distance from WHY RETREAT to parking area at the track heads (less than 20 minutes)

●       SmugglersCove– an easy 20 minute walk straight over the saddle from the car park to a fabulous beach. 

●       Busby Head Track – 1 hour loop. An easy walk takes you around Busby Head to Smugglers Bay, passing the WW2 gun emplacement at Home Point.

●       Peach Cove Track 3.6kms – a rather steep 2 hour track over a saddle to a secluded cove 

●       Bream Head/ Te Whara Track 7.5kms-a reasonable level of fitness, skill and experience is needed to walk the main tracks at Bream Head. 5 hours + of hard steep tramping with Iinks to several other tracks. 

●       Pataua Island Track- a short walk that skirts the Pataua estuary and goes to a lovely beach.The walk is flat and easy 

●       Kauri Mountain Track 3kms – 1.5 hours. Walking from the north side gives great coastal views, from the south side you walk in lovely kauri bush. 

●       Taiharuru Estuary Walk 7kms– a low tide only walk, 2 hours.