Urquharts Bay
A picturesque bay at Whangarei Heads, perfect for swimming, scenic walks around Bream Head, and discovering unique geological wonders.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters and fewer crowds
Urquharts Bay
Best Time
Calm waters and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque bay at Whangarei Heads, perfect for swimming, scenic walks around Bream Head, and discovering unique geological wonders.
"It's a brilliant place to go during the summer holidays or any spare time. Great view."
🚗 Parking & Toilets
Ample parking and clean public toilets are available at the end of the bay. :toilet:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring the Bream Head walks and the beach. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Smuggler's Cove Swim
Near Urquharts Bay
Enjoy a refreshing swim at Smuggler's Cove, a beautiful spot with clear waters perfect for a dip.
Bream Head Walks
Far end of Urquharts Bay
Embark on scenic walks around Bream Head, offering breathtaking views and access to the rugged coastline.
Unusual Sandstone Concretions
Far end of the beach
Discover unique spherical sandstone concretions, a fascinating geological feature under Bream Head.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Urquharts Bay
Exploring the Bream Head Area
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Toilets
Ample parking and clean public toilets are available at the end of the bay. :toilet:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring the Bream Head walks and the beach. :athletic_shoe:
🚤 Boat Launching
The bay is suitable for launching small boats. :boat:
📸 Wildlife Photography
Keep an eye out for wildlife, including foxes. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Toilets
Ample parking and clean public toilets are available at the end of the bay. :toilet:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring the Bream Head walks and the beach. :athletic_shoe:
🚤 Boat Launching
The bay is suitable for launching small boats. :boat:
📸 Wildlife Photography
Keep an eye out for wildlife, including foxes. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Urquharts Bay's natural beauty, describing it as a pleasant and brilliant place for swimming and exploring. The scenic walks around Bream Head and the unique geological features are frequently praised, along with the clean facilities. It's considered a great spot for summer holidays and general relaxation.
"Nice area at the end of the Whangarei Heads, great walks at the far end of Urquharts Bay to explore the Bream Head areas. Toilets at end of the bay. Area to launch small boats."
Barry Hudson
"It's a brilliant place to go during the summer holidays or any spare time. Great view"
Daniel
"Great short walk and swim at smugglers"
Aaron Coop
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Urquharts Bay is located at the end of Whangarei Heads. It's accessible by car, offering a scenic drive. Parking is available at the end of the bay.
Yes, it's a well-known spot at the end of the Whangarei Heads, often marked as the start of the sea wall.
Information on public transport directly to Urquharts Bay is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient method. Check local bus routes for Whangarei Heads.
The drive to Urquharts Bay is part of the experience, winding through the beautiful Whangarei Heads peninsula. Enjoy the coastal views along the way.
The roads leading to Whangarei Heads are generally well-maintained, but can be winding. Drive cautiously and enjoy the scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Urquharts Bay is a public area and does not typically have an entrance fee. Enjoy the natural beauty freely.
Urquharts Bay is accessible at all times, as it's an open natural area. However, facilities like toilets may have specific hours.
No booking is required for general access to Urquharts Bay. It's a public beach and walking area.
For general visiting, swimming, and walking, no permits are usually required. If you plan on specific activities like commercial filming, check with local authorities.
There are public toilets and parking facilities available at the end of the bay.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming at Smuggler's Cove, explore the Bream Head walks, discover unique sandstone concretions, and launch small boats.
Yes, the bay offers good swimming spots, particularly at Smuggler's Cove, with usually clear water.
Absolutely! The far end of Urquharts Bay leads to wonderful walks around Bream Head, offering scenic coastal views.
Wildlife, including foxes, has been spotted in the area, making it a potential spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
At the far end of the beach, under Bream Head, you can find unusual spherical concretions of sandstone.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning coastal landscapes, the unique sandstone concretions, and potential wildlife sightings like foxes.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
The walking trails around Bream Head offer numerous viewpoints overlooking the bay and the surrounding coastline.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing both landscapes and any wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for expansive coastal shots.
Yes, there have been sightings of wildlife such as foxes, offering opportunities for nature photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Bream Head walks might be more suited for older children or those who enjoy hiking, there are gentler areas along the bay for a family stroll. The clean public toilets are a convenient amenity for families. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy the beautiful surroundings for an extended period.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the geological formations like the sandstone concretions and the potential for wildlife spotting, including foxes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Bream Head Walks
Many visitors highlight the rewarding views from the higher points of the Bream Head walks. You can expect panoramic vistas of the ocean, surrounding islands, and the coastline. Some trails might lead to secluded coves or historical sites, adding an element of discovery to your hike. It's advisable to check local track conditions and weather forecasts before setting out, especially if planning a longer excursion.
For those interested in geology, the far end of Urquharts Bay beach, beneath Bream Head, is home to unusual spherical concretions of sandstone. These formations are a unique natural phenomenon and a point of interest for many visitors. Taking a moment to observe these geological curiosities can add another layer to your exploration of the area.
Wildlife Spotting at Urquharts Bay
One notable mention is the presence of foxes in the area, which can be a treat for photographers and nature lovers.
For those keen on capturing wildlife, patience and a good zoom lens are your best friends. Early mornings or late afternoons can often be more productive times for spotting animals. The natural setting of Urquharts Bay provides a beautiful backdrop for any wildlife photography you might capture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit