Tutukaka is the diving and game-fishing centre of Northland. It is also the gateway to some stunning scenery that can be enjoyed from a number of short walks. This page contains information about the walkways in and around Tutukaka, on the coast north-east of Whangarei.
Updated:
9/11/2012 4:02 p.m.
What's special about Tutukaka
The Tutukaka coast is internationally recognised as being iconic. It is naturally rugged and interspersed with glorious sandy beaches with a backdrop of native bush and very impressive overhanging pohutukawa trees. These walkways enable easy access to this magnificent beach and bush area.
Track descriptions
There are five short walks around Tutukaka to enjoy the coastal scenery.
| William Parata lookout |
3 |
15 minutes |
200 metres |
| Dolphin Place beach access |
2 |
10 minutes |
300 metres |
| Rauhomaumau beach access |
2 |
10 minutes |
240 metres |
| Lawson Drive bushwalk |
2 |
20 minutes |
370 metres |
| Whangaumu lookout |
2 |
10 minutes |
125 metres |
William Parata lookout
Just south of Tutukaka village, turn into the Tutukaka Block Road and follow it for about 2.5 km to Dolphin Place. The track up to the lookout is 200 metres on the right of the road.
Dolphin Place beach access
Follow the same route for the William Parata lookout walkway. The beach access walkway is almost opposite the track to the lookout.
Rauhomaumau beach access
Take the Tutukaka Block Road, turn left 2km along the road into Motel Road and then right into Rauhomaumau Road. The walkway is on the left, at the end.
Lawson Drive bushwalk
Take the Tutukaka Block Road almost to the end then turn left along Lawson Drive. The Bush Walk is signposted at the end of this road.
Whangaumu lookout
Take the Tutukaka Block Road to Whangaumu (Wellington’s Bay). Turn right and follow the road to the end from where the walkway is sign posted.
What to expect
- these generally short walks provide access to some stunning bush clad coastline.
- there are cafes and restaurants at Ngunguru and Tutukaka, making this a superb destination area for locals and visitors alike.
Good footwear is needed for these walks, which are generally unsurfaced and can be slippery when wet. The coast can be very exposed and weather can change rapidly.
Follow the link below for a printable version of a map of the walks.
Tutukaka walks map [159.3kb]
How to get to Tutukaka
Tutukaka is situated north-east of Whangarei on the coast. Take the route north from Whangarei through Tikipunga, Glenbervie and Ngunguru onto Tutukaka, a distance of 25km.