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

Kayaking Tutukaka to Matapouri Bay

Kayaking from Tutukaka to Matapouri Bay requires a reasonable fitness level and previous kayaking experience. Many parts of this coastline have no means of public access. Good snorkelling and fishing, channels, ledges and secluded rocky bays with gables and sandy bays to the north are some of the highlights. Launch from either Kowharewarewa Bay or Matapouri Bay.

Trips outside the Tutukaka Harbour or Matapouri Bay are best done with a guide who will be able to advise you of conditions and show you the best areas to explore. Due to the number of reefs in this area there may be surges and unbroken swells. Additional safety equipment should be carried in case of emergency (VHF radio and EPIRB). Paddlers will need to have the ability to perform rescues in case of capsize and should have reasonable fitness level and water confidence.

As in all trips safety in numbers. Minimum group size should be 2-4 paddlers. 

The Tutukaka Coast is a delight when weather is favourable ie light winds and low swell and good visibility but conditions change rapidly and can make paddling difficult or unsafe. Unless paddlers are experienced paddlers should not set out in strong wind conditions and should as a general rule paddle into the wind and against any current at the start of their journey to avoid fatigue on their return if doing a round trip. When doing a one way trip try to paddle with the wind and current.

Don’t forget to read our comprehensive Tutukaka Coast Kayaking Safety Guide before you set off.

More Tutukaka Coast kayaking trip suggestions.

Guided tours are available from Pacific Coast Kayaks. Bookings are essential. Pacific Coast Kayaks p: 09-436 1947   m: 021 129 5921   email   website.