Destinations
Whangarei Falls
At the edge of Whangarei (off the road to Tutukaka) is a park containing the dramatic Whangarei Falls. You can view these viewing platforms above, walk down to the bottom to see them from below and also enjoy a longer circular walk to the AH Reid Memorial Kauri Park, which takes around 1 hour to complete. Parking, toilets and picnic areas are available at the Falls.
Glenbervie
Original dry-stone wall lined farmland aptly known as Whangarei’s Golden Mile. The fertile volcanic terraine is home to orchards, forest and picturesque farmland. Glenbervie Forest is popular for mountain biking and Huanui Orchards offers an excellent range of local produce. The scenic drive along Ngunguru Road is a perfect introduction to the Tutukaka Coast.
Ngunguru
Where the road meets the coast a village nestles on the shores of the estuary. Great for water sports. Hire a kayak and discover the beautiful estuary. Boat ramp, ski lane, general store, takeaways, garage, doctor’s surgery, motel, nine hole golf course, bowling greens, tennis courts, surfboard hire, café and local crafts.
Tutukaka Harbour & Marina
A safe haven to mariners since Polynesian navigator Kupe first cruised past, the marina lies at the head of a beautiful natural harbour. These days it is a fishing port, a coastal waypoint for local and international yachties, and home to a fleet of private launches and charter boats for diving and fishing. The Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club displays trophies for several world record catches, and has a restaurant and bar overlooking the marina. Dive shops, Schnappa Rock café, pizzeria, small goods store/petrol station and slipway.
Whangaumu Bay
Long, sandy, safe-swimming beach. Boats can be launched off the beach with 4WD vehicles or tractors at low tide. Picnic areas and toilets. Walkway to Ngunguru accessible at low tide.
Matapouri Bay
Spectacular white sand coastal beach, plus restful estuary. Discover the Mermaid Pools at low tide. Walkway via the coast to Whale Bay with splendid coastal views (20 minutes one way). Popular for holiday homes. Local store, playground, parking and toilets.
Whale Bay
Idyllic white sand, bush fringed beach. Walking access only from either the car park on Matapouri Road (10 mins), through groves of ancient Puriri trees or via Matapouri Bay (20 mins).
Woolley’s Bay
Popular sandy coastal beach with easy access, body surfing and picnic areas.
Sandy Bay
One of the east coast’s most popular board surfing beaches. At this point the road turns inland, through hills and pockets of highly productive farm land, heading for Hikurangi where it rejoins State Highway 1.
Hikurangi
Small township, developed around coalmining industry of 1890. See the Hikurangi Museum for local history. Golf course.
Waro Limestone Reserve
Features interesting limestone formations, 40 million years old. Picnic tables and toilet. Lake in flooded old mine workings.
