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Ngunguru is a riverside settlement, south of Tutukaka
, that occupies only the landward side of the river, the
opposite side being a long low sandspit. The road passes close to the
river's edge, thus restricting the fore-shore.
The houses
today are largely permanent homes with the occasional holiday home. The
community enjoys a nine-hole golf course (that welcomes visitors), a tennis
court, badminton and bowls.
Picnic areas
for visitors are largely at the north end of the beach near the school where there
is a public toilet. Here there is a small stream and limited
shade. Be aware of the strong current in the river here at ebb
tide.
Boaties are
served by two ramps but parking is limited. The river, which offers good
anchorage, is popular with canoeists, kayakers, small boat sailors and the odd
windsurfer.
The sandspit forms a
sheltered ocean beach, Ngunguru Bay, that is not
usually suitable for surfing. At the end of the sandspit the river emerges
into Ngunguru Bay giving boaties
access to the coastline and the
Poor Knights Islands
. The latter are wildlife and marine reserves with restrictions
on fishing, diving and landing.
There is a strong
current at the mouth of the river during the ebb tide, especially on spring
tides and after heavy rain.
Motor camp and
motel accommodation is available together with a restaurant at the northern end
of the settlement. Kayaks and dinghies can be hired at the
motel.
Historical Note
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