This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
Te Whara Track follows an ancient Māori trail from Ocean Beach to Urquharts Bay. The track passes through some of the best coastal forest in the North Island.
This is a challenging day walk that requires moderate to high fitness. There are many stairs and it is very slippery after rain. There are steep drops-offs, so stay on the track and supervise children. Smugglers Bay Loop Track is a shorter and easier alternative in the same area.
Te Whara Track starts at Ocean Beach car park on Ranui Road. It climbs steeply, with sections of stairs.
It climbs steadily until it reaches a picnic table, near the ruins of a WWII radar station. The track then climbs to the Bream Head summit. There are stunning views of Cape Brett (Motukokako), Cape Rodney (Tawharanui) and islands.
After the Bream Head summit, the track follows the ridge, passing the turnoff to Peach Cove Hut. The track leads along the ridge to the summit of Mt Lion. It then descends steeply and meets the loop track to Smugglers Bay. The track ends at the Urquharts Bay car park.
There are toilets at Urquharts Bay car park, Ocean Beach car park and Peach Cove Hut, but no toilets on the track in between.
To minimise disturbance to the area, and out of respect to local iwi and their ancestors, do not leave the marked tracks.