Tutukaka

Travel 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 accommodations in the nearby coastal village of Ngunguru.

Pacific Rendezvous

Pacific Rendezvous

4 out of 5
73 Motel Road Tutukaka Northland
The price is P8,334 per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
P8,334
P9,584 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (246 reviews)
"Beautiful property Great views Great facilities"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2026

Pacific Rendezvous
Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka

Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka

4 out of 5
1 Marina Drive, Rd3 Tutukaka
The price is P8,116 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
P8,116
P9,333 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Tutukaka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Tutukaka ...
Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka
Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

3 out of 5
9 Riverside Drive Whangarei
The price is P7,023 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
P7,023
P8,077 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Whangarei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (649 reviews)
"Generally a very pleasant stay . Just 2 comments 1. The bath and shower would be safer with a hand grip. 2 The dining room would benefit from more separation of diners ; e.g glass partitions to improve privacy of dining and conversation"

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2026

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
Book a stay at this 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! (246 reviews)
"Beautiful property Great views Great facilities"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2026

Pacific Rendezvous
Kingswood Manor Motel

Kingswood Manor Motel

3.5 out of 5
260 Kamo Road Whangarei Northland
Stay at this aparthotel in Whangarei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Whangarei Falls are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (558 reviews)
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Reviewed on Sep 13, 2026

Kingswood Manor Motel
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 ...
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.

Stay near popular Tutukaka attractions

Things to do