Smugglers Bay
A small bay on the southern side of Whangārei Heads, reachable on foot in about 20 minutes along a flat track, with clear water for swimming and snorkeling.
Smugglers Bay lies near Ureweti at the southern tip of Whangārei Heads. From the car park at the end of Pahi Road, a flat coastal track leads about 20 minutes on foot to the bay, which is part of the Te Araroa Trail. The small bay is enclosed by headlands, with clear water and schools of fish near the rocks, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. On the headland are WWII gun emplacement remains and a viewing track, and you can climb up to look out over the harbor entrance. There are no facilities. It is popular on summer weekends, so arrive early to find parking.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Mount Manaia
- Ocean Beach
- Bream Head (Te Whara Track)
- Langs Beach
- Waipū Caves
- Abbey Caves
- Mount Parihaka
- Town Basin