Whangarei and Tutukaka Coast Places to Visit

Matapouri Bay is a spectacular white sandy coastal beach with an estuary.

From Matapouri there is a walkway via the coast to Whale Bay with splendid coastal views (40 minutes one way).

The Whangarei Coastal Commuter Tutukaka Shuttle can drop you at the Whale Bay carpark in the morning and pick you up outside the Matapouri store in the afternoon (by arrangement only).

Matapouri Bay offers a local store, playground, tennis courts and toilets.

Matapouri is ideal for a day trip to the beach from Whangarei.

Whangarei Coastal Commuter can provide the transport to take you to Matapouri Bay, then bring you back to your accommodation at the end of the day.

Idyllic white sandy, bush fringed beach just north of Matapouri Bay on the Tutukaka Coast.

Walkway access is from either the car park on Matapouri Road through groves of ancient Puriri trees (30 mins round trip), or via Matapouri Bay (40 mins one way).

More information about the Whale Bay Walkway

Whale Bay is  a great beach for swimming and snorkelling. Bring a picinic and spend the day in a little piece of paradise.

For transport to Whale Bay contact Whangarei Coastal Commuter. We can get you from your accommodation to Whale Bay and then back again, when it suits you.

 

The Poor Knights Islands are an internationally recognized marine and wildlife reserve 23km off the Tutukaka Coast. The islands’ 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.

Diving and snorkelling trips depart daily to the Poor Knights Islands from Tutukaka Marina.

Whangarei Coastal Commuter operates a dive shuttle service between Whangarei and Tutukaka.

For more information contact us or…

Sandy Bay is one of the East Coast’s most popular board surfing beaches. Sandy Bay is located on the main road between Tutukaka and SH1. It is the last road heading North before the road turns inland.

Whangarei Coastal Commuter can provide you with transport to and from Sandy Bay, including your surfboard.

If you would like to hire a board or take lessons this can be arranged with Tutukaka Surf Experience in Tutukaka Marina.

Where the road from Whangarei meets the coast you will find picturesque Ngunguru village on the shores of the estuary. Great for water sports, a game of golf, a bit to eat or a stroll along the beautiful estuary waterfront. Try the walkway that runs amongst the mangroves.

Amenities include: store, takeaways, doctor’s surgery, motel, school, nine hole golf course, bowling greens, tennis courts, church and 2 x cafés. It is also home to the popular children’s playground – Whale Tail Park.

Ngunguru has plenty of accommodation options including holiday houses, B&Bs and a motel. With all the services you need within walking distance Ngunguru is an ideal holiday location when you don’t have your own car. To get to Ngunguru contact Whangarei Coastal Commuter.

If you are looking for a little art and culture, some shopping or a movie then Whangarei Coastal Commuter can transport you from your accommodation to Whangarei City Centre. Shops, cafes, movie theatres, bowling and all the amenities you need can be found in Whangarei.

The Whangarei Town Basin is an attractive inner-harbour precinct with cafes, shops & galleries, children’s playground, art museum, car museum, clock museum and a stunning 4km art & history walkway that runs along the waterfront.

On the outskirts of Whangarei City (off the road to Tutukaka) you will find the dramatic Whangarei Falls. You can view these viewing platforms above, walk down to the bottom to see them from below and also enjoy a longer circular walk to the AH Reid Memorial Kauri Park, which takes around 1 hour to complete.

From the Whangarei Falls you can walk all the way to the Whangarei Town Basin via Mair Park or Mt Parahaki for a more challenging bush walk taking several hours.

Parking, toilets and picnic areas are available at the Falls.

Whangarei Coastal Commuter can transport you to the Whangarei Falls or bring you back to your car or accommodation if you plan to do the Whangarei Falls to Town Basin Walkway.

Kiwi North is the place to see live kiwi. Located on the Western side of Whangarei City, Kiwi North is set on 25 hectares of rolling, volcanic farmland, forest and bush, with views that overlook the city of Whangarei and the Whangarei Heads. The site features a museum, a nocturnal kiwi house and gift store, and unique Victorian heritage buildings. Pack a picnic and explore this unique site. Ice creams, cold drinks and packaged snacks are available at visitor reception.

Whangarei Coastal Commuter can provide transport to get you to and from Kiwi North and your accommodation in Whangarei or on the Tutukaka Coast.