Tutukaka Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Tutukaka featuring a bay or harbour, water sports and a sandy beach
With diving and fishing charters, sandy beaches and excellent restaurants, you’ll see why this natural harbour is one of Northland’s most popular destinations.

The small community of Tutukaka and its surrounding coastline contains secluded swimming beaches and scenic forested areas. Come here to swim, snorkel, bushwalk, dive and fish. Enjoy a relaxed coffee in a café at the marina or venture inland for some of the best nature trails in the Northland Region.

Stop at Tutukaka Marina for its cafés, restaurants and small range of stores selling locally made handicrafts. Watch yachts bobbing on the water or reserve a spot on a fishing or diving charter boat with one of the many companies operating from the marina. Tutukaka Marina hosts a weekend market where you can purchase freshly caught seafood and local produce.

The Tutukaka Coast contains some of the finest beaches in New Zealand. Drive to Matapouri Bay from the marina in just 10 minutes to see pristine golden sand and turquoise waters. Other great Tutukaka Coast daytrips include the popular swimming beaches of Whale Bay, Woolley’s Bay and Whangaumu Bay.

Rent a surfboard from a surf shop in Tutukaka and drive to Sandy Bay, approximately 32 kilometres (20 miles) from the marina. The bay is one of the best surf beaches on the Tutukaka Coast. Learn how to surf from an instructor or watch experienced surfers ride clean waves in surfing competitions held year-round.

Many diving companies and fishing charter boats operate from Tutukaka Marina and cater to all experience levels. If you have prior experience, try wreck diving with a specialist diver. See decommissioned Royal New Zealand Navy vessels deep below the water’s surface on a wreck trip.

Tutukaka is located about 190 kilometres (120 miles) from Auckland on the North Island’s east coast. The city has many boutique hotels, self-contained apartments and affordable lodges. Alternatively, book accommodations in the nearby coastal village of Ngunguru.

Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka
Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka
4 out of 5
1 Marina Drive, Rd3, Tutukaka
The price is NZ$183 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$183
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Tutukaka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Popular attractions Tutukaka Marina and Dive Tutukaka are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (451 reviews)
"The receptionist was friendly and helpful. Rooms were lovely and clean. They were also very spacious."

Reviewed on 23 Apr. 2024

Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka
Pacific Rendezvous
Pacific Rendezvous
4 out of 5
73 Motel Road, Tutukaka, Northland
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$238 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
NZ$238
per night
8 Jun - 9 Jun
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Tutukaka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Tutukaka Headland and Tutukaka Marina ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (201 reviews)
"Great location and great service"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Pacific Rendezvous
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre
3 out of 5
9 Riverside Drive, Whangarei
The price is NZ$203 per night from 17 May to 18 May
NZ$203
per night
17 May - 18 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Whangarei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the room service in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (442 reviews)
"Older style Hotel, but very clean. All staff were very friendly and helpful. Will stay again."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kingswood Manor Motel
Kingswood Manor Motel
3.5 out of 5
260 Kamo Road, Whangarei, Northland
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Whangarei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (424 reviews)
"The property was fine with good facilities"

Reviewed on 4 Apr. 2024

Kingswood Manor Motel
Pacific Rendezvous
Pacific Rendezvous
4 out of 5
73 Motel Road, Tutukaka, Northland
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Tutukaka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Tutukaka Headland and Tutukaka Marina ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (201 reviews)
"Great location and great service"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Pacific Rendezvous
Aaron Court Motel
Aaron Court Motel
2.5 out of 5
22 Wolfe Street, Whangarei
Stay at this aparthotel in Whangarei. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Claphams Clock Museum and Hundertwasser Art ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (25 reviews)
Family holiday away
"Enjoyed staying at Aaron Court Motel, it was quiet and comfortable. Had all the facilities you needed. Suitable for families. Off the main road. Owners were lovely and helpful. Would happily stay again."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Aaron Court Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Tutukaka

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
" "5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Mar 2020

It's a fantastic place to stay, with top beaches not far away great little restaurants and ambience of place is great

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Nov 2019

Beautiful views, beaches and walks, the best place in NZ to relax!

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