Tutukākā Must-Do's 2022-23

LEFT: Poor Knights Islands © Destination Northland

Salt in the air, sleepy seaside vibes and not a care in the world. The age-old recipe for living the good life never falters on the Tutukākā Coast. This is a playground for divers, a paradise for beach lovers and a non-stop riot for those with a boat in their toy box.

Poor Knights Island's world-renowned marine reserve is a mecca for divers and snorkelers alike. Boat tours are plentiful and know exactly where to drop you for 60m drop-offs and the gem in Tutukākā’s crown: two sunken ex-navy vessels known as Twin Wrecks.

Tutukākā Marina is a small yet lively hub of restaurants, convenience stores, the local boat club and the main base for fishing and diving charters. It is often best to dine earlier as the town is more geared towards early starts than late nights.

If you love secret pockets of azure coastline and the rewarding puff of a steep hill, then the one-hour walk to Tutukākā Lighthouse is just for you. Make sure you set off one hour either side of low tide, otherwise you’ll get stranded on the causeway.

Matapōuri Bay presents an irresistible expanse of white sand drenched in Kiwiana, with a classic dairy selling fish and chips and ice cream. Walk alongside the lapping waves or join the locals by hurling yourself off the bridge at high tide. Don’t forget to cross the dunes and follow the bush trail to a stunning secret(ish) cove called Whale Bay.

Whale Bay always makes the ‘best secret beach’ lists. Navigate a 25-minute bush walk over from Matapōuri Bay and arrive at a lookout just before you drop into the cove or walk 15 minutes from the carpark further up the road. Showcasing golden sand and sparkling blue water perfect for snorkeling.

Hike the Tāne Moana Walkway through farmland and native forest to see the largest kauri tree remaining on the East Coast of New Zealand. With a whopping 11m circumference, you won’t miss it.

Woolleys Bay and Sandy Bay are all but three minutes apart (by car), you can spend a relaxed morning at Woolleys Bay, jumping its gentle waves and with the sand to yourself, before heading to popular Sandy Bay for gnarly surf and surf lessons with Tutukākā Surf School.

Rest & Relax in Ngunguru

Sea, sand and serenity await you in Ngunguru, an easy-going estuary village. Amble along the waterfront and grab a bite to eat after a game at the golf course. Or take a kayak and have a fossick around in the mangroves while spotting seabirds.