top of page

What to do in Whangarei: Urquharts Bay, the hike with a thousand faces

Posted between Auckland and the Bay of Islands, Whangarei offers some hiking possibilities in the North of New Zealand. And in particular that of Urquharts Bay, where beaches, forests and plains mingle.

The North Island offers a wide menu. Geothermal energy in Rotorua, rolling plains of Coromandel, cliffs of the Whitecliffs or even hobbit houses. Further north of the island, Urquharts Bay sums up this diversity well. In two hours of walking, the visitor passes from the green grass to an azure blue beach, passing by a blockhouse of the Second World War and a dense forest. By taking, of course, a little height to afford magnificent views.

Perfect picnic spot

At the end of the Urquharts Bay road, free parking is available. From there, follow the “Busby head” signs to get to Smugglers Bay. Take your time, in two hours of walking you can already enjoy the scenery. We advise you to stay there longer. History to plan a small picnic on the beach for example.

Plage Nouvelle Zélande
bottom of page