Fish from the McLeod Bay wharf on the left looking at the water, or from kayaks provided if you want deeper water.
Children’s playground at the beach.
Safe shallow swimming beach
Smugglers Bay Loop Track – 3km loop – Leave from Urquharts Bay. Part of Bream Head Scenic Reserve with coastal forest, spectacular views and WW11 gun emplacements – easy walk with youngsters.
Mt Manaia – 6 minutes by car to the bottom of the track.- 4km return, walk through Nikau palm and kauri stands, with hanging northern rata and bush until the top 420m above sea level. stunning views.
Ocean Beach for ocean swimming and surf – 14 minutes by car. Manned by lifeguards in peak season.
Pataua South – sandy ocean beaches. Turn right at Whangarei Heads Rd when you reach the top of the road by Parua Bay Village and follow signs Pataua South Rd.
Parua Bay Tavern at the water’s edge in Parua Bay is popular for delicious meals, pleasant sprawling lawns, pool, darts, and a relaxed beach atmosphere – 12 minutes by car.
Parua Bay village is an eight minute drive and offers a Four Square supermarket, Liquor store, two cafes, a bakery, Indian takeaways, Medical Centre, and hair salon.
A two minute drive or 15 minute walk will see you at the The Deck Café at 1 Reotahi Road. It offers a range of meals and also sells milk, butter, biscuits, chips and a very few other items. Attached to The Deck is a popular Fish & Chip shop.
The Mt Manaia Club is very popular and just 20 minutes’ walk – sign in quick and easy – 2145 Whangarei Heads Road. Bistro Menu available Friday and Saturday only