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 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 HK$1,054 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
HK$1,054
HK$1,212 total
29 Aug - 30 Aug
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! (580 reviews)
"We arrived late at night and called ahead as checkin is only to 8pm. They left us easy instructions to get our room key. Our room was a lot bigger than we anticipated and very clean. We were impressed with the quality and easy checkout the next morning. Tutukaka, the town itself, is very sleepy and ..."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2026

Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka
Pacific Rendezvous

Pacific Rendezvous

4 out of 5
73 Motel Road Tutukaka Northland
The price is HK$1,106 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
HK$1,106
HK$1,272 total
30 Aug - 31 Aug
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! (246 reviews)
"Beautiful property Great views Great facilities"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2026

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

Reviewed on 7 Jul 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.
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! (246 reviews)
"Beautiful property Great views Great facilities"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2026

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

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2026

Quintessential Kiwi Bach right on the Beach !!
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 Jun 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.

Stay near popular Tutukaka attractions

Things to do