Beaches

White sandy beaches, pebble beaches, safe-swimming beaches and surf beaches - we have them all. Most have parking adjacent to the beach however others are accessible by walkways. Fishing off the rocks, exploring the rock pools and kayaking around the coast are more ways to enjoy the coast, but make sure you always check the tide times and weather forecast before setting off.

Diving & Snorkelling

The Poor Knights marine reserve and the wrecks HMS Tui and HMS Waikato are the dive destinations off the Tutukaka Coast. Dive boats depart daily and with 100’s of sites to choose from there’s no limit to the number of dives you can make in the area. Several dive companies operate from Tutukaka Marina and either hire out full gear or just the equipment that you need on the day. PADI Dive courses, refresher dives and underwater photography can also be done from Tutukaka. 

You can also do a day eco-cruise to the Poor Knights Islands where you get to see around the islands (due to the wildlife reserve status of the islands landing is prohibited), hear about their history, doing snorkeling and kayaking, go into Riko Riko Cave (the world’s largest sea cave) and if luck is on your side see dolphins, penguins or even the occational whale.

FEATURED OPERATORS

A Perfect Day (Eco Cruise)
Poor Knights Dive Centre, Marina Road, Tutukaka p: 09-434 3867 r: 0800 288 882  email   website
Experience Northland’s best kept secret. The Perfect Day ocean cruise will take you on a half day journey of marine adventure for the whole family. Above and below water, the Poor Knights Islands are abundantly populated with unique and incredibly varied plant, animal and fish life, and thoroughly deserve their protected status.Converging warm water currents, a micro-climate and thousands of years of separation from the mainland have resulted in a unique biodiversity with the world’s largest sea cave, only living dinosaur and largest insect.
The Maori history of the Poor Knights is dramatic, turbulent and astonishing, especially considering the inhospitable nature of the craggy Islands. Perfect Day is a multi-level cruise boat that has air-conditioned comfort, full toilet and hot shower facilities, so you can experience a day at your own level; from sunbathing, relaxing and bird watching, to kayaking, snorkeling or even diving for the first time. Full buffet lunch provided, mask, fins and snorkel equipment included, as well as a live camera that drops over the side so you can view the multitude of fish in this marine reserve without getting wet! Hear our stories, meet our people, and interact with our landscape, as we weave natural and Maori history into your experience of the Poor Knights Islands, Northland’s best kept secret. Special Offers

Dive! Tutukaka
Poor Knights Dive Centre, Marina Road, Tutukaka p: 09-434 3867 r: 0800 288 882  email   website
Dive! Tutukaka is New Zealand’s premier full-service dive charter operator, servicing the Poor Knights Islands; “the best-sub-tropical-diving in the world”. Our friendly team will tailor the day to suit you; you won’t be out of your depth, and neither will you be frustrated. With purpose-built dive boats that take you to a site that matches your ability, we help you enjoy your dives. By 8.45 you will be at sea with our professional and friendly crew, who will sit down and have an individual chat with you and find you a buddy if you don’t already have one; small groups and a free guiding service ensure personal attention. Two different dive sites, a tour of the World’s largest sea cave during your surface interval, the chance to snorkel and kayak, relax and enjoy your day with free coffee, hot soup and hot chocolate, and enjoy the delicious lunch we can arrange for you. We have won awards for sustainable business practice, and we do it right. The ethic of looking after our staff, our guests’ and our crew is deeply ingrained in us - yes we are a business, but we believe in what we are doing, and we believe that we should be doing it “right”. We pride ourselves in making your day a happy, friendly one, with great diving, impeccable service, full of smiles and laughter and streamlined professionalism. Non-diving partners are welcome, sightseeing, snorkeling, kayaking trips also offered. With a dramatic landscape, passionate people and the stories that entwine the two, Dive! Tutukaka delivers a total experience.  Special Offers

Pacific Hideaway Charters
Tutukaka Marina    p:09-434 3762   m:  02…   email   website

Yukon Dive Charters
Berth A8, Tutukaka Marina   p: 09-434 4506   m:  02…    email     website
If you are serious about your diving come and join us for the ultimate Poor Knights experience! Poor Knights Specialists, Yukon Dive Charters are 100% Kiwi owned and operated out of Tutukaka by Noel Erickson and Jo Thomson. We offer a professional, friendly and personal service on our 35ft purpose built dive boat, with a clean toilet and hot fresh water shower. Enjoy diving with a small group and be happy knowing that we do our best to dive more adventurous and less crowded sites. If you don’t have your own gear, don’t panic we’ve got it covered with our top quality scuba and snorkel hire equipment. With over 25 years experience Noel is happy to share his local knowledge to make sure that you have a great day and get the most out of your diving, snorkelling, kayaking or simply sightseeing at the beautiful Poor Knights Marine Reserve. Proudly representing the New Zealand Dive Trail for the Poor Knights/Tutukaka area.

 

OTHER OPERATORS

Bluzone Aquaventure Dive Charters/Underwater Photography   Tutukaka   p:  09-… 

Ocean Blue   Tutukaka Marina   p:    0274 880459   

Poor Knights Divers   Unit 11, Oceans Resort, Marina Road, Tutukaka    p:    09-43…     

Sea Safaris   Tutukaka   p:    09-434 4995

Cruises

Full day eco-cruises to the Poor Knights Islands depart daily from Tutukaka Marina. You get to see around the islands (due to the wildlife reserve status of the islands landing is prohibited), hear about their history, doing snorkeling and kayaking, go into Riko Riko Cave (the world’s largest sea cave), have lunch onboard and if luck is on your side see dolphins, penguins or even the occational whale. Some operators also do bespoke cruises around the Tutukaka Coast and Islands.  A river cruise operates on request along the historic Ngnuguru River with full commentary included.

FEATURED OPERATORS

A Perfect Day (Eco Cruise)
Poor Knights Dive Centre, Marina Road, Tutukaka p: 09-434 3867 r: 0800 288 882 email   website
Experience Northland’s best kept secret. The Perfect Day ocean cruise will take you on a half day journey of marine adventure for the whole family. Above and below water, the Poor Knights Islands are abundantly populated with unique and incredibly varied plant, animal and fish life, and thoroughly deserve their protected status.Converging warm water currents, a micro-climate and thousands of years of separation from the mainland have resulted in a unique biodiversity with the world’s largest sea cave, only living dinosaur and largest insect. The Maori history of the Poor Knights is dramatic, turbulent and astonishing, especially considering the inhospitable nature of the craggy Islands. Perfect Day is a multi-level cruise boat that has air-conditioned comfort, full toilet and hot shower facilities, so you can experience a day at your own level; from sunbathing, relaxing and bird watching, to kayaking, snorkeling or even diving for the first time. Full buffet lunch provided, mask, fins and snorkel equipment included, as well as a live camera that drops over the side so you can view the multitude of fish in this marine reserve without getting wet! Hear our stories, meet our people, and interact with our landscape, as we weave natural and Maori history into your experience of the Poor Knights Islands, Northland’s best kept secret.

OTHER OPERATORS

Captain Percy’s Historic River Cruise   Ngunguru Road, Ngunguru   p: 09-437 5500

Sea Safaris   Tutukaka   p: 09-434 4995

Coastal & Bush Walks

Enjoy the many and varied coastal walkways between and leading to beaches through native bush. Whale Bay is perhaps the most famous but there are dozens of other coastal and inland walkways for all fitness levels and interests.

To add information to this site about other Tutukaka Coast Walkways you know and love or comments on the walkways below please use the “comments” function at the top of this post or email us your information and images directly.

Fishing & Boating

Fishing charters, yacht charters and small boat charters are available by arrangement from Tutukaka Marina. The Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club displays trophies for several world record catches from the local area. Competitions run regularly. You don’t have to travel far to bring home a good sized snapper for your dinner! Rock fishing and surf casting are also popular along the coast.

 

FEATURED OPERATORS

Silva Fox Charters
Tutukaka Marina   p:  09…   email    website
Silva Fox is dedicated to offering the ultimate fishing experience for anglers demanding the very best in salt water sport fishing, game fishing or land based fishing…..whether Striped and Blue Marlin, Tuna, Yellowtail Kingfish or Snapper. Based in Tutukaka, you are only a stones throw from some of the best fishing & scenery New Zealand has to offer including Great Barrier Island, Bay of Islands, Hen & Chicks and the Northland coastline, all enjoyed from the comfort of a beautiful vessel.

 

Shalako Charters
Tutukaka Marina   p:  09…   email    website
Operating out of the Bay of Islands, Tutukaka, Whangarei, Auckland or any port between, our charter boat is available by prior arrangement to collect and deliver you and your fellow travellers in safety and comfort. The skipper has over forty years experience in boating the Northland coast and is Marine Safety Authority (MSA) approved and licensed. We can sleep up to ten people, with three double and four single bunks. Licensed for up to 18 passengers for day trips, the boat is equipped with all the modern conveniences and equipment for diving and fishing.

Whale Bay Walkway

Whale Bay Carpark (top of the hill on Matapouri Rd after Matapouri Bay) to Whale Bay beach.

Walking Time: 30 minutes round trip (also allow time to enjoy the beach, have a picnic or a swim)

Access: Well maintained gravel track, steep at times. Stairs at the bottom or a pathway to the beach. Suitable for all levels of fitness and well worth the effort!

Carparking: Free carpark at the top of the hill.  Note; Please do not leave your valuables in the car or lugguage on display when leaving the vehicle.

Directions: Follow the track through the gateway adjacent to the carpark off Matapouri Rd, through native bush. There are spectacular views along the track of Whale Bay and northwards along the coast towards Whananaki and Cape Brett. The track ends at the beach.

If you have extra time on your return trip up the hill you can add on the walkway to Matapouri by taking the marked path 1/2 way up the hill. See Matapouri to Whale Bay Walkway post for more info.

Matapouri to Whale Bay Walkway

Ringer Ave Carpark at Matapouri Bay (left off Morrison Ave) to Whale Bay beach.

Walking Time: 45 minutes round trip (also allow time to enjoy the beaches, have a picnic or a swim)

Access: A combination of walking on the beach, dirt track and gravel track, steep climbing at times. Quite steep if you access the path from Pebbly Bay.  Due to the steepness of the track a reasonable level of fitness and good shoes are recommended.

Carparking: Free carpark at Ringer Ave.  Note; Please do not leave your valuables in the car or lugguage on display when leaving the vehicle.

Directions: Option 1: Matapouri Beach route. Walk North along Matapouri Beach towards Pebbly Bay and at the end of beach you will find a steep track. The path leads up over the hill, (eventually turn right) along the ridge and down to Whale Bay. Views from the top include Woolley’s Bay and northwards up the coast towards Whananaki. The track ends at Whale Bay beach. This area is a public reserve. Whale Bay provides safe swimming, good snorkelling and shade from the Pohutukawa Trees that line the bay. Matapouri is also good for swimming and due to the different position of the bay may offer different swimming conditions depending on the swell and wind direction. You can return via the alternative inland loop route below or back along the pathway you came in on.

Option 2: Inland route. Take the clearly defined track from the carpark up the hill through native bush. At the top of the hill take the path to the right heading downhill towards Whale Bay. You can either return via Pebbly Bay and along Matapouri Beach or return along the same pathway you arrived on.

If you have less time or fitness you can follow the direct Whale Bay Walkway from the carpark on Matapouri Rd.

Ngunguru Mangrove Walkway

Ngunguru Library to Munroe Place. This walkway was developed by the local community with the elderly and physically challenged in mind, The pleasant stroll includes paths through bush and boardwalks through mangroves. Seating is provided along the way and the sheltered pathway is safe and well maintained.

Walking Time: 20 minutes round trip at an easy stroll

Access: Flat, level pathway and boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs and all fitness levels.

Carparking: Near the library on Ngunguru Road and Munroe Place (turn left at the Whangarei end of Ngunguru - before the 1st one way bridge).

Directions: Start at Munroe Place (at the Whangarei end of Ngunguru, before the 1st one way bridge). The pathway ends at the library (other side of the one way bridge) at the start of the Ngunguru waterfront. The Ngunguru Mangrove Walkway can be done in either direction. For a longer walk start at the shops/cafe at Ngunguru and walk along the picturesque estuary waterfront before you get to the walkway.

Ngunguru Estuary to Whangaumu Bay Walkway

Ngunguru to Whangaumu Bay Walkway - only accessible 2hrs either side of low tide. A combination of beach walking, fantastic lookout views and rocky outcrops.

Walking Time: 40 minutes oneway from either direction.

Access: A combination of beach walking, rocks, grass and a steep track. Note: outside of 2 hours either side of low tide access is restricted by the sea level around the coast and at the estuary.

Carparking: Free carpark on Te Maika Rd or at Whangaumu Bay.  Note; Please do not leave your valuables in the car or lugguage on display when leaving the vehicle.

Directions: Take Te Maika Rd on the right before you go up the hill to Tutukaka at the northern end of Ngunguru village (after the 2nd oneway bridge). Park at the end of the road and cross the estuary towards the beach. Follow the coast along sheltered sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and grass ridges. From Red Rock Bay climb the grass ridge track to the lookout. The 360 degree views include Whangarei Heads, Taiharuru, Pataua, Hora Hora, Goat Island, Ngunguru Sandspit and Whangaumu Bay. There is a seat at the top to rest your legs before the steep track which leads down to the southern end of Whangaumu Bay. Return along the same route or arrange for someone to pick you up from Whangaumu Bay at the end of your walk (note: walking back by road will take 1-2 hours).

To reach Whangaumu Bay by road take Tutukaka Block Road on the right as you decend the hill towards Tutukaka Marina. Follow the road to its end and you will arrive at Whangaumu Bay.

Tutukaka Estates Short Walk & Lookout

Walking Time: 5 minutes oneway to the lookout with an optional additional 6 minute circular bush walk at the top.

Access: Includes a steep walk up a concrete path and a well maintained bush track. The path will get your heart pumping but the views are worth the climb.

Carparking: Parking outside the security gate at the end of Lawson Drive or next to the beach at Whangaumu Bay a little further down the hill.

Directions: Drive towards Whangaumu Bay (turn right along Tutukaka Block Road off Matapouri Road as you decend the hill towards Tutukaka Marina) and take Lawson Drive on your left just before you reach the bottom of the hill.

Pass through the security gate at the end of Lawson Drive and follow the concrete path up the hill. There is seating at the top so take your time to enjoy the view. Views include Ngunguru Sandspit, Hen & Chickens Islands, Little Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula. If you have a few extra minutes follow the bush walk at the southern side of the hill (the path is marked) before returning back to your car.

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