Schnappa Rock Polar Bear Surf Classic

Main sponsor again this year is Tutukaka’s iconic Schnappa Rock restaurant and bar, which is putting up the $1000 first prize for the winner of the open division. Providing solid sponsorship backup is Mal Egginton and the Tutukaka Surf Company.

Scheduled for the 7th and 8th of August 2010, the all weekend event is a staple of the surf calendar

But so that nobody worthy of first place in their division misses out NCB is underwriting a $200 first prize for each of the supporting divisions (sponsors might put up more) plus $40 and $20 petrol vouchers for second and third. In addition there will be heaps of sponsors prizes for all finalists and a major spot prize for the senior divisions (18 and over) of a choice long board offered up by Canadian Club.

To claim the CC long board you will need to be present at the prize giving starting at Schnappa Rock at 3.00pm on the Sunday.

Contact club secretary Sandra Bowden if you are interested in sponsoring a division.

This is the30th year of competition.

Tutukaka Coast Surfing

Sandy Bay and the Ngunguru Bar are the coast’s most popular surfing spots. You can hire boards and/or take lessons through Tutukaka Surf Company in Ngunguru and Tutukaka Marina.  Beginners, families, groups and experienced surfers are all welcome.

FEATURED OPERATORS

Tutukaka Surf Company
Shop 2, Oceans Resort, Tutukaka Marina   p: 09-434 4135   email     website

Tutukaka Surf Company will help you experience the magic that is surf riding, in a safe environment, with qualified coaches. With surf lessons, surfboard hire and a coastal surf shop fully stocked with coastal and surf related product, it is our pleasure to make your surfing experience maximum fun while staying on the Tutukaka Coast. The friendly staff love the surf and beach life, and are able to give real advice on surf boards, surf accessories and wetsuits as well as what surf conditions are like today. Tutukaka Surf Co Shop also stocks beach clothing, fun-in-the-surf and beach toys, coastal gifts and bachwares, gifts for surfers, surf art and memorabilia.

Kayaking

The Tutukaka Coast has endless opportunities for kayaking at every level. Kayaking can start either from Tutukaka Marina, Ngunguru, Whangaumu Bay, Matapouri or the Ngunguru River. Kayak hire or lessons and guided tours are available. Advance bookings for kayaking are highly essential as the operators change locations regularly so you’ll need to arrange pick-up/drop-off points with them prior to the day.

A few suggested Tutukaka Coast kayaking routes include:

Ngunguru River - suitable for all levels, families and novices. Mangrove Forest, birdlife, tidal channels and sandspit. Launch at either Ngunguru or Scows landing, depending on the tide. More info…

Ngunguru Bay - suitable for all levels, families and novices. Kayaking around the bay, sandspit and Goat Island (great for a picnic, snorkelling and fishing). Launch at Whangaumu Bay. More info…

Tutukaka Harbour and nearby bays - suitable for all levels. The Harbour is safe in windy or rough seas. Harbour, sandy and rocky bays, fishing and snorkelling. Launch from Tutukaka Marina or Kowharewarewa Bay. More info…

Tutukaka to Whangaumu Bay - suitable for more experienced paddlers when there is a swell running. Rocky reefs, blow hole, fishing and snorkeling in the more sheltered areas. Launch from either Kowharewarewa Bay or Whangaumu Bay, depending wind direction. More info…

Tutukaka to Matapouri - a reasonable fitness level is required. No other means of public access to many areas. Good snorkelling and fishing, channels, ledges and secluded rocky bays with gables, sandy Bays to the north. Launch from either Kowharewarewa Bay or Matapouri. More Info…

2-3 Day Beach Camping trips towards Whananaki/Mimiwhangata - suitable for fitter and more experienced paddlers only. Guided Tours Recommended. Locations and launch points vary depending on the weather. See our safety section before considering this journey. More Info…

Before commencing your journey always consult the latest weather, tide and safety information. Never kayak alone and always advise others where you are going. Guided tours, lessons and freedom kayak and equipment hire are available on the Tutukaka Coast. Seek the advice of an experienced local if you have any doubts whatsoever.  More Useful Safety Information…

Warning: Cellphone coverage is still erratic on the Tutukaka Coast and can be non existent as you move north of Tutukaka Harbour.

Information supplied by Pacific Coast Kayaks.

FEATURED OPERATORS

Pacific Coast Kayaks

Tutukaka Coast p: 09-436 1947   m: 021 129 5921   email   website

Pacific Coast Kayaks can take you away on a journey along our wonderful coast to visit secluded bays, sandy beaches, rocky channels and small islands. We also have a large mangrove eco-system (Ngunguru River) and a smaller one at Matapouri. These can be explored in our double and single sea kayaks and are ideal for all levels of experience including families. Other options we offer include walks to viewpoints, and kayak surfing for the more adventurous paddlers. As a mobile operation we also do tours along the East Coast north of Whangarei, Bay of Islands,the Cavalli Islands and beyond.
All tours include refreshments and hot drinks. Bring your own lunch, water and snacks for longer trips. We also supply snorkelling and fishing gear by arrangement. Dry bags are supplied. Bring a change of clothing, sunnies, sunblock, hat, swimming shorts, footwear.
Pacific Coast Kayaks also provide Freedom Rental equipment, full briefing and we offer instruction and training. Bookings are essential.

Tutukayax

Tutukaka Marina   p: 0274 901 111 or  021 0299 2467   email

Polar Bear out of Hibernation for Sandy Bay.

With a brand new trophy – the first in the classic surf comp’s 29 year history – and prize money boosted to $2000 the host North Coast Boardriders club is looking for a good turnout at this fun event.

The impressive trophy created by local nurseryman turned sculptor Guy Bowden is no lightweight. It is shaped from laminates of kauri, puriri and totara and sits on a solid rock base.

http://diving.co.nz/about/dive_blog/entry/polar_bear_out_of_hibernation/

What is missing from the trophy is the list of previous winners. But club organizers are hoping that many of the gaps will be filled in by visiting raconteur surfers this weekend, so that all previous Polar Bear supremo’s can have their details added to the trophy.

Cancelled 8-9 due to lack of swell, running for 15-16th August! Phone 09 4343 774 for more info!

In addition to the glory there is $1000 up for grabs – courtesy of Schnappa Rock Café and Bar - in the open division and $200 for each of the other classes.
Then there are heaps of prizes from Whangarei’s Mega Surf, the Tutukaka Surf Company and Sanuk, plus a collectors item T shirt for all entrants

Whatever the time of year, there’s always something cool!

Seals, gannet colonies, dolphins, snapper schools, fish and more fish!

There is always a huge range of new life that is on display at the Poor Knights Islands, and we are out there every single day to catch a glimpse of what is going on.

Dolphins are regular visitors.

We see dolphins most of the time, and they are an added bonus to our day! The trip out to the Poor Knighhts Islands can be as interesting as the dive day, and as we hold a Marine Mammal Permit from the Department of Conservation, we are permitted to divert course to interact with them!

http://diving.co.nz/about/dive_blog/entry/delphinus_delphis_dolphin_days/

Awesome!

Seals at the Poor Knights

We have an annual local colony of seals out at the Poor Knights Islands, and lately they have been arriving, and wanting to play!

Very inquisitive, the young male was coming over to investigate, and getting up close and personal with Luke’s camera!

These guys are regular visitors every winter, and hang out on the rocks, basking in the sun, and generally just being bachelor boys over the cooler months, before they head back to Muriwai Beach to hook up with the ladies.

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.

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.

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

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