stunning Tutukaka coast

northland, New Zealand

Photo: © Ollie Brooks

The Tutukaka Coast is a beautiful coastline made up of lots of bays, golden beaches, forests, wetlands, estuary and offshore islands, serviced by a few small villages (the main ones are Tutukaka and Ngunguru).

This very popular tourist destination is located approx 2.5 hours drive north of Auckland, and is the base for where The Petrel Station tours head out offshore for our day with the seabirds.

Tutukaka has the marina (where we the tours depart from), a hotel, a campground, and a few shops and restaurants. Ngunguru is a delightful waterside village nearby with the biggest population in the area.

The Tutukaka Coast is a great place to hang out and explore, so if you’ve got time it’s definitely worth staying an extra day or two.

Local Land bird watching opportunities

We know seabirds are why you’re here, but there’s also some great specialty local land bird species to check out on the coast, and some other great birds nearby. You can find out more about them on the Land Birds page.

Other non-bird things to do

I know I know, other activities that don’t involve birds? Well luckily there’s plenty of other great activities, tourist attractions and other things to do in the Tutukaka Coast area.

One of the major highlights is lots of beautiful golden sand beaches and bays to explore in the area (some of the nicest beaches anywhere in New Zealand) – there’s too many to name but Matapouri Bay and Whale Bay are particularly stunning.

There’s also a bunch of interesting retail shops at Tutukaka, and for a keepsake from the area check out the stunning artwork at the Tutukaka Gallery, run by the talented local artist Steve Moase (www.facebook.com/tutukakagallery).

Other activities include:

  • Diving and Snorkelling

  • Fishing

  • Surfing

  • Golf / Tennis

  • Bush-walks

  • and did I mention the stunning seabirds yet :)

Where you can stay

There are two super convenient places to stay in Tutukaka that are both located very close to the Tutukaka Marina (where we depart from on The Petrel Station tours).

  • The Tutukaka Holiday Park offers campground options for cabins, tents, caravans etc and is the most economical option in the area. www.tutukaka-holidaypark.co.nz

  • Ocean’s Hotel is a more upmarket option if you’re wanting a bit more luxury in your accommodation. www.oceansresorthotel.co.nz

There’s also plenty of other small motels, and Air BnB type rentals in the Tutukaka / Ngunguru area.

For any accommodation it’s worth checking their cancellation policies, just in case a tour is cancelled (for adverse weather or other reasons). Usually they only need a day or two notice, but some are longer so it pays to ask before you book your stay.

Where you can eat

RESTAURANTS / CAFE

There are several restaurants in Tutukaka catering to a range of prices. Marina Woodfired Pizza (yummmm), The Gamefishing Club, Schnappa Rock and Mara. There’s also a cafe in Ngunguru.

TAKEAWAYS

Takeaways on the coast include a fish & chip shop, and a pizza shop in Ngunguru.

CONVENIENCE STORES

There’s a local dairy (convenience store) in both Tutukaka and Ngunguru – usually open about 7.30am and shut by 7pm (though times may differ). Please note these times if you’re planning to pick up supplies for the day out on the boat.

help support the research

We’re seeking assistance to help support the seabird research through donations, funding support, relevant expertise and equipment.

get some gear

Get that super stylish seabirdy look with The Petrel Station’s official team t-shirts and hats.