Kayaking Tutukaka Coast

by Barb Roy

Kea prepares to start “Tea” (our snack) at North Gable on the North Island.

TUTUKAKA COAST

After loading lunch, snorkeling gear, camera accessories and other survival essentials into a sleek two-person sea kayak, my guide Kea and I bid stable ground farewell. I took the front seat in order to acquire some good shots along the northeastern side of New Zealand’s North Island. My camera was held on my lap for easy access, safe in a dry-bag.

“All set up there?” asked Kea, who was on loan from Paradise Coast Kayaking, a local outfit offering daily or multi-day kayaking excursions.

Kea certainly wasn’t lacking confidence and was fueled by a great enthusiasm. As we went, he explained about New Zealand’s colorful past, its marine reserves, and the country’s plans to keep wildlife parks pristine. Enthralled by the narrative, I was equally in awe of the scenery. We glided past numerous species of shore birds, over countless beds of kelp with overlapping fronds and through cave-like formations eroded into an outstretched shoreline. Steep, jagged cliffs and ancient lava flows, now softened by time, lay before us. I found it amazing that a past of such turmoil could now produce so much relaxation and tranquility. Other places were thick with native trees or lush in valleys of rolling green meadows.

“Ready for some whitewater?” asked Kea as we cleared the protection of another bay. The ocean swells became more pronounced as they rolled over shallow reefs, producing pools of swirling, foamy, whitewater.

View from Kukutauwhao on the North Island.

A curious seal popped its head up for a closer look. Before long, two more heads were up. What I wouldn’t give to be in the water with them, I thought, peering down into the clear depths. A vivid selection of invertebrate life decorated the reef below, intertwined with multi-colored varieties of sponge.

Landing, we hiked a trail up Kukutauwhao Island for a spectacular view of the surrounding area, had lunch on a secluded sandy beach and I was able to photograph the wildlife. Later in the day, Shane Orchard, the owner of the company and a marine biologist, joined us. Together, the three of us checked out a calm estuary where the water was pea-green and lined with a profusion of foliage and trees.

The next day we visited the Poor Knights, volcanic islands situated some 24 kilo- meters offshore, transporting the kayaks out and back by boat from Tutukaka. The water temperature was 21 degrees Celsius and the weather sunny (this was March).

Protected by Marine Reserve status, the waters below are nourished by subtropical currents, attracting an assortment of fish, eels, rays, soft corals, nudibranchs and sponges, drawing divers from around the world to visit the islands. The local Ngatiwai people have worked with the Department of Conservation to manage the islands and marine reserve, ensuring the environment will remain unspoiled. Access to the islands is restricted. Several rare and exclusive island residents include the red- crowned parakeet, the tuatara (ancient reptile), and the giant wetas (looks like a grasshopper).

Read full article from the Wavelength Magazine here.

Local snorkelling in Church Bay, Tutukaka

Simon Mottram and his family recently stayed on our coast, and spent some time in the water.

There is life and beauty everywhere!

More images here.

Te Araroa - the Long Pathway

Down the coastline, through the forest, across farmland, over volcanoes and mountain passes, along river valleys, and on green pathways across seven cities. New Zealand’s longest pathway, and indeed the world, passes through Tutukaka, and the Giant Kauri tree, Tane Moana.
The track climbs through delightful private pasture lands, pine forest and regenerating bush where significant efforts are being made to preserve kiwis and remove their predators.

It then enters Matariki Forest’s newly cut pine and eucalyptus plantation and follows a forest road (Seaview Track) south before turning west into another forest road (Oyster Track). This well developed road dissects a DOC native bush reserve then crosses more newly harvested forest land.  The road then turns into a clay track.

Leaving the forestry lands, the last 200m of the track crosses farmed pasture to emerge on Waiotoi Rd, with occasional views of the Coast.

3,000 kilometres. Dozens of volunteers. A tramping trail from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south. Opening late 2010 - one of the world’s longest walking trails. More here

Escape and Explore the Poor Knights Islands.

Cruise up north after work on Friday, sleep in on Saturday morning and explore the Poor Knights snorkelling and kayaking. Romantic dinner for two at iconic Schnappa Rock, and a leisurely drive back home on Sunday.

Leave work and head up north for a relaxing weekend escape on the Tutukaka Coast. There are over 26 beaches here; you will always find your own.

The Te Araroa Walkway and a number of shorter headland strolls, and beach walks. Take a early start on Staurday morning if you like and walk to the Tutukaka Lighthouse, or sleep in and have a relaxed start at 11am for the Perfect Day

Package Includes:
All snorkelling and kayaking, equipment, and a buffet lunch on board Perfect Day.

Accommodation is for two nights at Pacific Rendezvous overlooking the Tutukaka Harbour.

A relaxed meal for two at Schnappa Rock, including your main, either an entree or a dessert, and a glass of wine.

$295 per person, only for bookings of two people. Email now kate@diving.co.nz to book a place!

Escape to Tutukaka for the Weekend

Drive up to Tutukaka after work on Friday, stay the night, and wake up to go diving on Saturday. Relax and have a meal on Saturday night, sleep in on Sunday and cruise back in the early afternoon. A mini-Break in Tutukaka!

Accommodation is for two nights at Pacific Rendezvous overlooking the Tutukaka Harbour.

A relaxed meal for two at Schnappa Rock, including your main, either an entree or a dessert, and a glass of wine.

Diving is based on a two dive day with tanks and weight hire only with Dive! Tutukaka.

$335 per person, must be for two people booking. kate@diving.co.nz Email now to take your escape!

Not a diver? Still want to escape? Check this out!

Dive & Stay Deals

Escape to Tutukaka, a relaxing days diving, a romantic dinner for two and two nights stay. $355 per person. Find out more…

Cruise up north after work on Friday, sleep in on Saturday morning and explore the Poor Knights snorkelling and kayaking. Romantic dinner for two at iconic Schnappa Rock, and a leisurely drive back home on Sunday. $295 per person. Find out more…

Special Offers

Read more about a range of great value special offers available on the Tutukaka Coast for accommodation, activities, meals and combined package deals.

Click here for more information on Tutukaka Coast Special Offers.

Variety Bash Team Question

Hey Tutukaka Crew, how are things going?

From Nick: schnapparock@xtra.co.nz