Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tutukaka Coast & the Poor Knights Islands
If Goat Island Marine Reserve whetted your appetite, diving at the Poor Knights is the
feast followed by a wafer-thin mint that might cause your stomach to explode. Apart from
the natural underwater scenery, two decommissioned navy ships have been sunk nearby
for divers to explore.
Following the road northeast of Whangarei for 26km, you'll first come to the sweet vil-
lage of
Ngunguru
near the mouth of a broad river.
Tutukaka
is 1km further on, its marina
bustling with yachts, dive crews and game-fishing boats.
From Tutukaka the road heads slightly inland, popping out 10km later at the golden
sands of
Matapouri
. A blissful 20-minute coastal walk leads from here to
Whale Bay
, fringed
with giant pohutukawa trees.
Continuing north from Matapouri, the wide expanse of
Sandy Bay
, one of Northland's
premier surf beaches, comes into view. Long-boarding competitions are held here in sum-
mer. The road then loops back to join SH1 at Hikurangi. A branch leading off from this
road doubles back north to the coast at
Whananaki
, where there are more glorious beaches
and the
Otamure Bay DOC campsite
(
09-433 8402;
www.doc.govt.nz
; sites per adult/child $10/5)
.
Activities
Dive trips leave from Tutukaka and cater for both first-timers and experts. There are some
excellent walks along the coast. Pick up a copy of the
Tutukaka Coast Tracks & Walks
brochure from the Whangarei i-SITE (
Click here
)
.
Dive! Tutukaka
( 0800 288 882;
www.diving.co.nz
; Marina Rd; 2 dives incl gear $249)
Dive courses and excursions,
including a five-day PADI open-water course ($799). For nondivers, the Perfect Day
Ocean Cruise ($149) includes lunch and snacks, snorkelling in the marine reserve, kayak-
ing through caves and arches, paddle boarding, and sightings of dolphins (usually) and
whales (occasionally). Cruises run from November to April, departing at 11am and return-
ing at 4.15pm. In off months, snorkellers can tag along on the dive boats. Dive! Tutukaka
has twice-daily shuttles from Whangarei for its customers ($20).
DIVING
Yukon Dive
DIVING
