Smugglers Bay is a small, sheltered bay at Whangarei Heads, accessible via a 15-minute walk from the Urquharts Bay car park through the Bream Head Scenic Reserve. The bay has clear water, white sand, and a rock platform accessed by heading left along the beach and climbing the rocks — this platform is one of the better land-based rock fishing positions in the Whangarei Heads area. Kingfish are the headline species here, along with snapper, john dory, kahawai, trevally, and squid. The walk required to reach it keeps the fishing pressure lower than drive-up spots on the coast.
Practical Information
| Location | Bream Head, Whangarei Heads — accessed via Urquharts Bay car park |
| Access | 15-minute walk via Smugglers Bay Loop Track (DOC) |
| Track | Smugglers Bay Loop Track, Bream Head Scenic Reserve |
| Key species | Kingfish, snapper, john dory, kahawai, trevally, squid |
| Main fishing spot | Rock platform accessed by turning left on the beach and climbing the rocks |
| Licence required | No — saltwater fishing is licence-free; bag limits and size limits apply |
| Rock fishing safety | Check conditions before accessing the platform; lifejacket recommended |
| Nearest town | Whangarei Heads settlements; approx. 35 km from Whangarei city |
About Smugglers Bay Fishing
Smugglers Bay is reached by walking the DOC-managed Smugglers Bay Loop Track from the Urquharts Bay car park at Bream Head. The track takes around 15 minutes one way on the direct route over the hill. The bay itself is a tucked-away beach with clear water and a calm character — it is not a high-traffic beach and the requirement to walk in keeps it quieter than beaches accessible by road.
The main fishing position at Smugglers Bay is the rock platform to the left of the beach. Once on the beach, turn left and follow the rocks as far as possible — a gut (a gap in the rocks filled with water) will stop progress at some point. The fishing position is reportedly a large, slightly seaward-tilted rock from which casting enters a sandy area between rock formations below. This sandy gut between rocks is where fish sit, and the position gives access that a beach cast from the sand cannot replicate.
Kingfish are the species most associated with Smugglers Bay among local anglers. The position at the rock platform — elevated above the water with access to a defined sandy gut below — is the type of feature that kingfish patrol for baitfish. Large soft plastics, stickbaits, and live baits on heavy leader are the appropriate tackle for kingfish from this position. The bay is also noted as particularly good for kingis compared to other land-based spots in the Heads.
Snapper, john dory, kahawai, and trevally are also taken regularly from Smugglers Bay and the surrounding rocks. Squid are present at times, particularly in autumn and early winter evenings. The variety of species and the quality of the main rock position make Smugglers Bay a worthwhile destination for anglers prepared to walk in rather than drive to a spot.
Rock Fishing Safety
The rock platform at Smugglers Bay can be washed by swells, particularly when larger sets arrive during otherwise calm-looking conditions. The deep water close to the rocks can generate unexpected surge. Before accessing any rock platform at Smugglers Bay, observe the sea state for several minutes from a safe position on higher ground, identify a clear escape route, and check the swell forecast before leaving home. A lifejacket is strongly recommended. Do not fish rock platforms alone. Maritime NZ and Water Safety NZ publish specific rock fishing safety guidance that is worth reading before visiting any exposed rock location.
Bream Head Scenic Reserve and the Walk In
The Smugglers Bay Loop Track runs through the Bream Head Scenic Reserve, which is managed by DOC. The reserve covers the Bream Head headland at the northern tip of Whangarei Heads and contains significant coastal forest and seabird habitat. The walk to Smugglers Bay is straightforward and well-formed — it is accessible for most fitness levels and takes around 15 minutes on the direct route. The loop adds time for the return, passing through different terrain and viewpoints. Carrying fishing gear adds some weight but the walk is not technical. The car park at Urquharts Bay is the starting point.
Where to Learn More
The Department of Conservation page for the Smugglers Bay Loop Track with track details, access information, and the Bream Head Scenic Reserve context.
A guide to land-based fishing spots at Whangarei Heads including Smugglers Bay, with species information and tips from local anglers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Smugglers Bay?
Smugglers Bay is at Bream Head, Whangarei Heads. Access is from the Urquharts Bay car park via the Smugglers Bay Loop Track (15 minutes on the direct route).
What fish can you catch at Smugglers Bay?
Kingfish, snapper, john dory, kahawai, trevally, and squid. Kingfish are particularly noted as a feature of the bay’s rock platform fishing.
How do you fish the rocks at Smugglers Bay?
Once on the beach, turn left and follow the rock platform as far as you can go. A gut will stop progress — the main fishing position is a large, slightly tilted rock from which you cast into a sandy area between the rocks below.
Is Smugglers Bay safe for rock fishing?
The platform can be washed by swells. Always observe the sea state for several minutes before accessing the rocks, check the swell forecast in advance, and wear a lifejacket. Do not fish alone from any exposed rock platform.
How long is the walk to Smugglers Bay?
About 15 minutes from the Urquharts Bay car park on the direct route. The full loop adds more time for the return journey through different terrain.
Do you need a fishing licence at Smugglers Bay?
No — saltwater fishing in New Zealand is licence-free. Bag limits and size limits apply to all species under MPI regulations.
Smugglers Bay is part of the fishing in Whangarei hub. For other Whangarei Heads fishing, see Pataua North Beach surfcasting. For the Tutukaka Coast, read about Matapouri Bay fishing.