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The Tutukaka Coast is located North East of Whangarei City in Northland, New Zealand.
Driving takes approximately 2.5 hours from Auckland when heading North, or 1 hour from the Bay of Islands when heading South. Driving time from Whangarei city is 20 minutes.
Tutukaka Marina is the central point on the coast with the coastal village of Ngunguru to its south and beaches Matapouri Bay, Sandy Bay, Whale Bay and Woolleys Bay to its North.
Directions from Whangarei and SH1 (South)
From Whangarei City centre follow the blue road signs to the Tutukaka Coast – either up Bank Street or up Hatea Drive from the Town Basin/Whangarei Airport heading North.
From State Highway 1 (South) drive all the way through Whangarei. 1.5km after Kensington Avenue (Kensington Stadium) you will drive over railway tracks. After 400m turn right at the Puna Rere Drive traffic lights (sign posted Tikipunga/Tutukaka Coast). Continue driving straight for 2 minutes, going straight ahead through 2 roundabouts. Tutukaka Marina is 22 km further along the road after the 2nd roundabout.
From The Bay of Islands and SH1 (North) – most direct route to Sandy Bay/Wolleys Bay/Whale Bay/Matapouri from the North. When driving south on SH1 you will see blue signs directing you to the Tutukaka Coast via Hikurangi. In Hikurangi village turn left and follow the signs to the coast. You will wind though farmland for at least 20 minutes before arriving at Sandy Bay.
Alternative Directions from The Bay of Islands and SH1 (North) – most direct route to Tutukaka/Ngunguru/Whangaumu Bay from the North. Follow State Highway 1 to Whangarei. At the first set of traffic lights (Puna Rere Drive) – turn left at the traffic lights and continue straight ahead for 2 minutes. Go straight ahead through 2 roundabouts. Tutukaka Marina is 22 km further along the road after the 2nd roundabout.
Follow this link for a Scenic Driving Route around the Tutukaka Coast
Driving Times
State Highway 1 to Whangarei Falls 2 minutes
Whangarei City to Whangarei Falls 5 minutes
Whangarei Falls to Glenbervie 5 minutes
Glenbervie to Ngunguru 10 minutes
Ngunguru to Tutukaka Marina 5 minutes
Tutukaka Marina to Matapouri Bay 10 minutes
Matapouri Bay to Whale Bay 2 minutes
Whale Bay to Woolley’s Bay 5 minutes
Woolley’s Bay to Sandy Bay 5 minutes
Sandy Bay to Hikurangi 20 minutes
Hikurangi to State Highway 1 2 minutes
