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 AU$154 per night from 6 Dec to 7 Dec
AU$154
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
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! (473 reviews)
"Nice spacious room. Dining option a bit limited, probably because of the time of year."

Reviewed on 23 Oct. 2024

Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka
Pacific Rendezvous
Pacific Rendezvous
4 out of 5
73 Motel Road, Tutukaka, Northland
The price is AU$265 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
AU$265
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
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! (211 reviews)
"Spectacular location, wonderful hosts."

Reviewed on 10 Nov. 2024

Pacific Rendezvous
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre
3 out of 5
9 Riverside Drive, Whangarei
The price is AU$181 per night from 6 Dec to 7 Dec
AU$181
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Whangarei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (476 reviews)
"Location to town. Quiet. Great restaurant and bar. Room was clean and tudy. Will be happy to recommend"

Reviewed on 7 Nov. 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.
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! (211 reviews)
"Spectacular location, wonderful hosts."

Reviewed on 10 Nov. 2024

Pacific Rendezvous
Tui Cottage Private rural retreat with elevated views to the ocean
Tui Cottage Private rural retreat with elevated views to the ocean
Tutukaka
Stay at this cottage in Tutukaka. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Dive Tutukaka and Tutukaka Marina are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
A slice of paradise
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the bach. The view is stunning, the wildlife enchanting and Julia was the perfect host. The kitchen was very well equipped, the beds very comfy, and the place was spotless. The local beaches are heavenly and well worth an explore. I'd definitely recommend this bach ..."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2024

Tui Cottage Private rural retreat with elevated views to the ocean
Escape to a beautiful coastal cottage!
Escape to a beautiful coastal cottage!
Tutukaka
Stay at this cottage in Tutukaka. Enjoy free WiFi and a garden. Popular attractions Dive Tutukaka and Tutukaka Headland are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Perfect getaway
"We loved our stay at Downtime Cottage. Perfect peaceful location. Easily accessible to fantastic beaches. Clean, tidy, comfortable with all the amenities needed. Star gazing a highlight. A real gem and we hope to stay again."

Reviewed on 1 Apr. 2024

Escape to a beautiful coastal cottage!
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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