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.

Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka

Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka

4 out of 5
1 Marina Drive, Rd3 Tutukaka
The price is CA $186 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
CA $186
CA $214 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (574 reviews)
"The property needs an upgrade. Old and tired rooms. Room serviced every 3dys, we requested 2! Had to ask for clean mugs, ran out of tea bags, needed to ask and they were very obliging, shouldn't have had to ask, top $ paid!! The breakfasts were good, lovely staff."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2026

Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka
Pacific Rendezvous

Pacific Rendezvous

4 out of 5
73 Motel Road Tutukaka Northland
Fully refundable
The price is CA $176 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
CA $176
CA $205 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
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
Tutukaka Heads Lodge

Tutukaka Heads Lodge

Tutukaka Northland
Stay at this apartment in Tutukaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Jun 21, 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
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
Tutukaka Heads Lodge

Tutukaka Heads Lodge

Tutukaka Northland
Stay at this apartment in Tutukaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 Jun 21, 2026

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

Quintessential Kiwi Bach right on the Beach !!

Whangaumu Bay 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! (93 reviews)
"The best place we have ever stayed. We loved it and will be back! Thank you"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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

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