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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -35.85629, 174.56604. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 5.7 km return return via same track
- Walking time
- 3 hr return
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Bream Head Scenic Reserve / Whangārei Heads area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
The 3-hour return walk along the Peach Cove Track requires skill and a reasonable level of fitness. The track has several steep climbs before it drops down to Peach Cove’s sandy beach.
This DOC directory entry covers Peach Cove Track in Northland, within Bream Head Scenic Reserve / Whangārei Heads area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 5.7 km return return via same track
- Walking time: 3 hr return
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track runs up one side of Bream Head Ridge and drops down the other side into Peach Cove, a pretty little sandy beach. You'll pass through attractive coastal broadleaf forest, and you can stay the night at the Peach Cove hut.
This track has lots of steep and narrow steps and is recommended for people who are reasonably fit and agile.
A section of the Peach Cove Track intersects with the Te Whara Track. There are alternative routes:
You can return the way you came or along the main track to Urquharts Bay or Ocean Beach (3 hours)
Returning via Ocean Beach creates a loop option, as it is approximately 10 minutes walk from the beach back up the road to the Peach Cove car park
Returning via Urqhuarts Bay it is 3 km from the Urquharts Bay car park to the Peach Cove car park.
The nearby Mount Manaia Track is well worth a visit. The track has been upgraded and the views across the harbour are excellent.
Getting there
The start of Peach Cove Track is signposted on the right about 4 km along Ocean Beach road.
Park just inside the entrance way as this access is a private driveway.
Know before you go
Do not interfere with pest traps.
To minimise disturbance to the area, and out of respect to local iwi and their ancestors, keep to the marked tracks.
Carry plenty of drinking water.
Take care as the track is very steep in places.
Tracks can be slippery after rain.
Be careful of tree roots on the track.
The rocky outcrops have steep drop offs. Children should be well supervised.
Northland reserve bylaws apply to Bream Head Scenic Reserve.
Water safety
If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
