To Do Tutukaka
Natural beauty abounds on the Tutukaka Coast, rated as one of the top coastal destinations on the planet by ‘National Geographic Traveler’. Rocky shores and pristine white sand beaches, stunning coastal bush walks, and the gateway to the extraordinary Poor Knights Marine Reserve. With cuisine, art, accommodation, shopping and activities to suit almost everyone. It’s a detour you won’t want to miss on your journey north.
The Tutukaka Coast was populated by the Mäori people of the Ngatiwai Tribe, whose successors live along the coast today and are regarded as the children of the seas. As safe haven to mariners since Polynesian navigator Kupe first cruised past, the Tutukaka Marina lies at the head of a beautiful natural harbour. Diving and fishing charters leave from the marina, this is the place to catch a dive boat to the world-renowned Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, or hook into a deep sea fishing expedition, from light tackle for Snapper & Kingfish all year round to big game fishing for Marlin & Yellowfin tuna from December to April.
The Poor Knights Islands are an internationally recognized icon, up for World Heritage Status and 23km off the Tutukaka Coast where the island’s 11 million year old volcanic origins provide myriad spectacular drop offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels, all inhabited by an amazing array of underwater life. Converging warm water currents, a micro -climate and thousands of years of separation from the mainland have resulted in a unique biodiversity. Washed by the warmth sweeping down from the Coral Sea, the Poor Knights Islands are ever present on the horizon of most of the North East coast of Northland.
Tutukaka and Ngunguru offer restaurants, cafés and a wide range of accommodation including private holiday homes, resort motels, apartments, B&Bs and a campground. It’s a good idea to book ahead in summer, especially around the Christmas holidays.