Tutukaka Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Tutukaka showing a bay or harbour and a sandy beach
Tutukaka featuring a bay or harbour, water sports and a sandy beach
Tutukaka which includes rocky coastline, a beach and a bay or harbour
Tutukaka featuring a bay or harbour, a coastal town and a beach
Tutukaka

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$172 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$172
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Tutukaka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (525 reviews)
"Room size was great anf perfect for a family. Staff at the restaurant were amazing and went above and beyond. Fantastic job!"

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka
Pacific Rendezvous
Pacific Rendezvous
4 out of 5
73 Motel Road, Tutukaka, Northland
The price is NZ$238 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$238
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Tutukaka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Philip Island and Rahomaunu Island ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (228 reviews)
"Nice layout. Great views."

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

Pacific Rendezvous
Quintessential Kiwi Bach right on the Beach !!
Quintessential Kiwi Bach right on the Beach !!
Tutukaka
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Tutukaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Motutara Island and Whangaumu Bay are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
Great place to stay
"Great Bach in fantastic position right on the beach with amazing views from the upstairs rooms and balconies. Wonderfully well equipped and lots of toys and games for children and adults."

Reviewed on 4 Apr. 2025

Quintessential Kiwi Bach right on the Beach !!
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.
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 Philip Island and Rahomaunu Island ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (228 reviews)
"Nice layout. Great views."

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

Pacific Rendezvous
Quintessential Kiwi Bach right on the Beach !!
Quintessential Kiwi Bach right on the Beach !!
Tutukaka
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Tutukaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Motutara Island and Whangaumu Bay are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
Great place to stay
"Great Bach in fantastic position right on the beach with amazing views from the upstairs rooms and balconies. Wonderfully well equipped and lots of toys and games for children and adults."

Reviewed on 4 Apr. 2025

Quintessential Kiwi Bach right on the Beach !!
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. Popular attractions Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Whangarei Falls ...
8/10 Very Good! (490 reviews)
"Quiet"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Kingswood Manor 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

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

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

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