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

Nicko and Guy are the main sponsors this year, the 29th year of surfing at Sandy Bay.

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.