I live on the Tutukaka Coast, just 25
km east of Whangarei. ( Whangarei is the major city
of the subtropical North of New Zealand, called
Northland. Its main attractions include the
remarkable number and diversity of its beaches, its parks
and gardens, and the Town Basin waterfront).
This beautiful piece of coastline,
called the Tutukaka Coast, provides everything from safe
estuary swimming (Ngunguru) to a world-class surf
beach ( Sandy Bay). Our beaches are clean and
uncrowded, and surrounded by beautiful native bush and the
magnificent pohutukawa trees ( photo, right), our very own native Christmas
tree. Ideal for everyone into boating or marine life,
shell collecting, family holidays, diving or surfing.
In fact anything to do with the sea!
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Tutukaka is well known worldwide for its deep-sea
fishing and for the fantastic diving at the Poor Knights marine reserve ( and on
two shipwrecks). In fact, it is considered to be one of the Top 10 Dive
Spots in the world!
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NGUNGURU
Ngunguru, pictured (left) at dusk, is
the first beach you come to when you drive out to the
Tutukaka Coast from Whangarei city. It is a small
community with a diverse mix of residents living along the
Ngunguru River and out to its river mouth ( seen
left).
A favorite launching spot for small
boats, it also features a beautiful sandspit, home to many
nesting birds. The river is excellent for kayaking,
sailing and swimming. ( With small children, beware
of the sometimes strong current at the school end of the
beach). On the other side
of the sandspit you can experience the open ocean, with its
wave action and delightful seafood, particularly the
tuatua.
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For the tourist, Ngunguru offers a
small but comprehensive supermarket, gift stores, sports
hall, golf course, kayak hire, tennis courts, school, church,
doctors and cafes. Accommodation is wide-ranging, from motels to private holiday homes, and there are places to rest in your campervan.
For those interested in the history
of the region, or who would like to explore the Ngunguru
river at a leisurely pace, I highly recommend Captain Percy's
River Cruise.
And don't forget to come visit us at
www.shopenzed.com
. We're at 10
Shoebridge Cres, Ngunguru. ( ph 09-4344659)
TUTUKAKA
Just a three minute drive over the hill
from Ngunguru, Tutukaka is rapidly becoming a hot tourist
spot. A 4-star hotel, Oceans Resort, was completed
early 2005, complementing the existing campgrounds,
motels, and B&Bs. Tutukaka is also the launching
spot for deep-sea fishing boats and dive boats. You can
try your hand at fishing for a marlin, just like Zane Grey,
or don scuba gear or snorkel to view superb marine life, in
the Poor Knights Reserve.
The Poor Knights islands are
situated 23km off the Tutukaka Coast. The islands are a
rugged area of caves and cliffs, but more importantly, they
are a wildlife reserve both on land and under the
sea.
Dive! Tutukaka has their base at
Tutukaka. They can take you out to the Poor Knights to
dive or snorkel, or you can take the Cave Rider high speed
jet boat to see the biggest sea cave in the
world! Other dive and fishing charters also operate
from Tutukaka Marina.
For a slower pace, hire a kayak at
Tutukaka ( and at Ngunguru) and go exploring.
Not into the sea? That's
OK! You might like to take a walk along one of the many
tracks dotted around the Tutukaka Coast, play golf, tennis,
bowls or petanque at the Ngunguru Sports Complex, or just sit
in a cafe at Tutukaka or Ngunguru, and soak up the
atmosphere.
For great eating out,
try:
Salt Air Cafe ( Ngunguru) -
cute little cafe with exceptional food and great
coffee.
Marina Pizzeria (
Tutukaka) - rated one of the top pizzerias in the
whole of New Zealand, it has a friendly atmosphere, great
seating on the edge of the Marina, and a broad menu ( not
just pizzas).
Schnapper Rock ( Tutukaka) -
one of the icons of the Tutukaka Coast, a licensed restaurant
and bar, featuring Pacific style food
Greens Restaurant ( Ngunguru)
- situated in the Ngunguru Sports Complex, Greens menu
is all about good food at a reasonable price.
Knights Restaurant and Bar (Tutukaka)
- fine dining at the Oceans Resort restaurant
Moochas Bistro ( Tutukaka) - well
priced family bistro food inside the Tutukaka Game Fishing Club.
MATAPOURI
Isn't it gorgeous? And this photo
is Matapouri at Christmas, the busiest time on the Tutukaka
Coast.
Matapouri is a great beach for
families. Launch your boat, do some waterskiing, have
fun in the surf on your boogie board or surfski, go kayaking,
walk the long beach....there is something for everyone!
Beautiful white sand, and just walk down to the end of the
beach, thru a gap in the hills, and you are suddenly at a
black pebble beach. Turn to your left, and take the
beautiful cliff-top walk over to Whale Bay. Or turn
right, explore the rocks, and you might just find the Mermaid
Pools, a well-kept secret.
TAWAPOU COASTAL NATIVES (Nursery): Just
a short distance and on the other side of the road from the
Farm Park, is Tawapou Coastal Natives. The selection is
huge, and you can purchase their hardy natives direct from
the nursery.
RUSSELL FRANSHAM SUBTROPICALS: If you
fancy having a subtropical orchard or garden, take a trip to
see Russell Fransham, in Clements Rd, Matapouri. He has
an extensive range of subtropicals and olives for you to
buy. I've purchased several subtropicals from Russell,
and been more than happy with all of them.
A store at Matapouri supplies all your
basic grocery needs plus the essential icecreams and
takeaways.
WHALE
BAY
WOOLLEYS BAY
SANDY BAY
Over the hill from Matapouri, carry on
to visit these 3 beautiful bays. Whale Bay is
exquisite, accessible only by a short walking track.
Sandy Bay is a great beach for surfing. From there, you
can carry on north, as the road will bring you out at
Hikurangi, north of Whangarei.
Where to
stay
