|
Tutukaka is a small sheltered harbour 5km north of
Ngunguru . Over the past thirty years it has
increasingly become the local headquarters for deep sea fishing launches and is
the base of the Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club. The foreshore at the top
of the harbour is given over almost enitrely to the needs of motor boats and
trailer boats. Several motels serve the region.
A large
marina, a wharf and adminsitration buildings, alongside an extensive carpark
dominates the northern shore. A wide launching ramp with adequate parking
for vehicles and trailers attracts a modest charge for its use. Prominent
notices give information on restrictions and regulations that today govern
fishing and marine reserves (such as the
Poor Knights
Islands
). A few minutes reading
by captain and crew could help avoid potential unhappiness!
A general store with
takeaway and
petrol, Tutukaka Hotel, Schnappa Rock Cafe, Blue Marlin Restaurant and a marine
recreation supply shop completes the foreshore. Public toilets are by the
marina parking area. Kayaks and dive gear can be hired from the marine
supply shop. There is good tree shade but little in the way of developed
picnic facilities.
Visitors can arrange to hire charter boats for deep sea
fishing, line fishing or scuba diving etc through the Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers
Club at Tututukaka
, or with
independent boat owners.
Two small bays on the southern side of the harbour, Church
Bay and Kowharewa
, are more appropriate
for swimming and picknicking. These are reached by the side road that branches
from the right as the road descends the last kilometer to Tutukaka
Beach.
Church Bay is a small grassy reserve leading to a sandy
bay. There is no shade or toilet and no ramp. Over the hill the
road descends to Kowharewa Bay
which is
larger and deeper than Church Bay and boasts both a ramp and toilets, but has
little shade.
| 
