• Beaches
  • Walkways
  • Poor Knights Islands
  • Tutukaka Marina
  • Articles & Accolades
  • News & Events
  • Blog
  • About Us

Tutukaka Coast

  • Home
  • Eat
  • Play
  • SHOP
  • Stay
  • Be Well
  • WEATHER
  • VIDEO
  • GALLERY
  • MAP
  • CHiT CHAT

Kayaking Tutukaka Coast by Barb Roy

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 Pacific Coast Kayaking, a local outfit offering daily or multi-day kayaking excursions.

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

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.

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.

View from Kukutauwhao on the North Island.

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.

Tutukaka Kayaking Operators

A Perfect Day (Eco Cruise)

Experience Northland’s best kept secret. The Perfect Day ocean cruise … [More...]

Pacific Coast Kayaks

Pacific Coast Kayaks can take you away on a journey along our wonderful … [More...]

More Kayaking Operators

Tutukaka Coast Kayaking Trips

Tutukaka Harbour Kayaking

Kayaking around the Tutukaka Harbour and nearby bays is suitable for all … [More...]

Summary of Tutukaka Kayaking Trips

A few suggested Tutukaka Coast kayaking routes include: Ngunguru River – … [More...]

Kayaking Tutukaka to Matapouri Bay

Kayaking from Tutukaka to Matapouri Bay requires a reasonable fitness level … [More...]

Kayaking Safety Information

Safety advice and information - Kayaking on the Tutukaka Coast Before commencing your journey always consult the latest weather, tide and safety … [More...]

Featured Accommodation

The Sands Motel

Walk off your deck across tree-shaded lawn and down a dozen steps onto the … [More...]

More Tutukaka Coast Accommodation

Tutukaka Coast Video

Quick Links

  • Accommodation
  • Activity Providers
  • Tutukaka Coast Directions and Map
  • Driving Route
  • Tutukaka Coast Beaches
  • Poor Knights Islands
  • Tutukaka Marina
  • Walkways

Tutukaka Coast Photos

Calypso PKI Jack Aerial (5) estuary-shag full-moon-pk-4 whale-bay-2 kereru tutukaka-marina-3 whangaumu-bay-chh whangaumu whale-bay-1

Copyright © 2021 Tutukaka Coast Promotions Inc · Designed by Northweb · Log in