Bream Head Scenic Reserve

Announcement

The boardwalk at Smugglers Bay is closed due to storm damage. Track access is still possible but do not use the closed boardwalk.

The Bream Head Scenic Reserve is an area of significant ecological, historical and environmental importance.

It is one of the best examples of a coastal forest reserve in the country.

It is of special significance to Māori, who consider the whole area as wahi tapu (sacred place).

The reserve is an important refuge for a diverse range of species including:

kiwi
kūkupa (wood pigeon / kererū)
North Island robin / toutouwai
whitehead / popokatea
kāhu / harrier hawk
threatened invertebrates
bats / pekapeka
several bird species from offshore islands like kākā
kākāriki / red-crowned parakeet
bellbird / korimako
nationally and regionally significant plants.

The local community, local iwi, the Te Whara / Bream Head Conservation Trust and Department of Conservation are committed to restoring Te Whara / Bream Head and work includes a revegetation programme, and weed and pest control.

As predator numbers have dropped, North Island brown kiwi have been released into an area that is now designated as one of the country’s kiwi sanctuaries.

Walking tracks

The main walking trail, the Te Whara track between Ocean Beach and Urquharts Bay, is at least 700 years old. A shorter loop walk from Urquharts Bay to Smuggler's Cove takes in a WW2 gun emplacement.

This track is a Department of Conservation track. To find out about walking trails, visit the Department of Conservation website.

Bream Head Scenic Reserve (doc.govt.nz)