Tutukaka Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A beach with clear turquoise water, white sand, and lush green hills.
Two people paddleboarding on turquoise waters with a forested coastline in the background.
A rocky coastline with a prominent cliff and a sandy beach.
A sandy beach with clear blue water, a forested hill, and houses in the background.
A beach with clear turquoise water, sandy shore, and green hills in the background.

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 accommodation 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$260 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$260
30 June - 1 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Tutukaka. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (573 reviews)
"Very comfortable room , very spacious, very friendly staff who were very helpful, very well located"

Reviewed on 3 June 2026

Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka
Pacific Rendezvous

Pacific Rendezvous

4 out of 5
73 Motel Road Tutukaka Northland
The price is NZ$262 per night from 21 July to 22 July
NZ$262
21 July - 22 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Tutukaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Philip Island and Rahomaunu Island are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (245 reviews)
"Amazing views and got a heated pool and hot tub! You will get a beautiful sunrise!"

Reviewed on 14 June 2026

Pacific Rendezvous
Tutukaka Heads Lodge

Tutukaka Heads Lodge

Tutukaka Northland
Stay at this apartment in Tutukaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Tutukaka Headland and Dive Tutukaka are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Beautiful views, warm and cozy house. Very neat, tidy and spacious."

Reviewed on 21 June 2026

Tutukaka Heads Lodge
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 beach aparthotel in Tutukaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Philip Island and Rahomaunu Island are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (245 reviews)
"Amazing views and got a heated pool and hot tub! You will get a beautiful sunrise!"

Reviewed on 14 June 2026

Pacific Rendezvous
Tutukaka Heads Lodge

Tutukaka Heads Lodge

Tutukaka Northland
Stay at this apartment in Tutukaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Tutukaka Headland and Dive Tutukaka are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Beautiful views, warm and cozy house. Very neat, tidy and spacious."

Reviewed on 21 June 2026

Tutukaka Heads Lodge
Quintessential Kiwi Bach right on the Beach !!

Quintessential Kiwi Bach right on the Beach !!

Whangaumu Bay Tutukaka
Stay at this beach holiday home in Tutukaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a garden. Popular attractions Motutara Island and Whangaumu Bay are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (92 reviews)
"This property is very well located - as told in its description. Very comfortable & very well equipped.Boat launching just along the road. Rock fishing easy to get to - shame the fish weren’t big enough to bring home.Would I book this property again - definitely."

Reviewed on 29 May 2026

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.

Stay near popular Tutukaka attractions

Cities near Tutukaka

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