Looking for the best things to do in Tutukaka?
The gorgeous coastal town of Tutukaka is a favourite weekend spot for me over summer and I know it will be for you as well.
Tutukaka is an amazing place to explore and should definitely be a top spot on your Northland bucket list this summer.
It is not only the gateway to the Poor Knights Islands, but it also has an amazing range of things to do.
To help you get the most out of your time in Tutukaka, I have put together a list of my favourite activities and things to do in this epic slice of Paradise.
The Best Things to do in Tutukaka
There are so many amazing things to do in Tutukaka. There is everything from snorkel and dive trips to adventurous walks and delicious food and drink spots.
Make sure to check out all the different options so you don’t miss out!
1. Snorkel with Perfect Day – Most Popular thing to do in Tutukaka
One of the best and probably the most popular things to do in Tutukaka is to do a snorkelling trip with Perfect Day Ocean Cruise.
Perfect Day is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Poor Knights Islands for non-divers like myself.
The highlight of the trip is of course the snorkelling and seeing the many fish and sea creatures that make the Poor Knights Islands their home. Staff are there to assist for those not so confident in the water.
There are also many other epic inclusions such as kayaking, exploring sea caves and wildlife spotting. We had a pod of dolphins join us for a while on our trip.
This is a great experience for everyone of all ages and you don’t need to get in the water to still have a great time.
Check out the Perfect Day website to book in your experience today.
2. Diving with Dive Tutukaka
If you want go a bit further than just snorkelling, then going for a dive at the Poor Knights Islands with Dive Tutukaka is the perfect thing to do.
Dive Tutukaka will take you out to the best dive spots plus they have all the gear you need as well.
As well as the Poor Knights Islands, there are also some awesome wrecks close to Tutukaka which are perfect for diving and a great alternative to the islands.
If you have not dived before and want to learn, Dive Tutukaka also offer dive courses that enable you to learn all you need to know to get out in the water.
For more information, visit the Dive Tutukaka website.
3. Visit Whale Bay – where to swim in Tutukaka
Tutukaka has one of the most stunning coastlines in Northland with so many hidden bays and golden beaches. But none are better than Whale Bay.
About a 10 minute drive from Tutukaka, Whale Bay’s calm waters make it the perfect place to relax on a hot summers day.
Crystal clear water, soft sand and epic rock pools to explore are just a few of the main highlights of this incredible spot.
There is about a 10 minute walk along a gravel path from the car park down to the beach. However, the track is well maintained and not too steep so don’t let this deter you.
Even if you decide not to swim, Whale Bay is still a great beach to visit to just enjoy and relax.
In peak season the carpark and the beach itself can get full, so visiting early morning or later in the afternoon would help to avoid the crowds.
4. Walk up to the Tutukaka Lighthouse
Wanting to work up a bit of a sweat and enjoy some amazing views along the coast? Then make sure to walk up to the Lighthouse on the Tutukaka Heads Track.
The walk starts just a short couple of minutes drive out of the main centre of Tutukaka.
You will head out along the headland and across to Kukutauwhao Island. Enjoy the surrounding native bush and the sounds of the birdlife along the way.
The track makes its way up and across the island right to the top and to the lighthouse. From here you are treated to amazing views as far as the eye can see.
Make sure to do the walk at low tide as Kukutauwhao Island can become inaccessible at high tide.
The walk up to the Lighthouse is a great thing to do in Tutukaka on an overcast day.
5. Learn to Surf – Most fun thing to do in Tutukaka
One of the most memorable things to do in Tutukaka is to learn to surf. There are some great surf beaches in the area and Tutukaka Surf are the best in the business.
Choose from group lessons, family lessons or private lessons to ensure you get the most out of your experience.
Everyone of all abilities are catered for through each of the three options.
Newbies in the group lessons will be taught surf safety, wave selection and surf technique. While those more experienced can advance their skills in a private lesson.
Don’t miss out on one of the most fun things to do in Tutukaka and book with Tutukaka Surf today.
6. Walk the Matapouri Headland Track
Another one of the best things to do in Tutukaka is to walk the Matapouri Headland Track.
To walk the full Matapouri Headland track takes about 90 minutes, this includes the side track down to Whale Bay. The start point begins either on Matapouri Beach or you begin at the Whale Bay carpark.
The track takes you through some stunning native bush clearing at points to give you amazing views up the Tutukaka Coast and out to the poor knights islands.
The full track does form a loop so you can park in one spot and finish back where you parked.
There is a bit of up and downhill walking but nothing difficult and the track is well maintained.
7. Check out Waiparore Vinyard
The Waiparore Vineyard is a small family-run vineyard located 7 minutes out of Tutukaka.
The vineyard produces small batch, single vineyard wines that are handcrafted on site. Old world wine making techniques are used to make wines that are the highest quality possible.
Waiparore is open at the cellar door for wine tastings. Enjoy the wines with amazing views of the vineyards and out to the Poor knights Islands from this epic location.
They also have beautiful accommodation on site for those wanting to spend a bit more time here and relax.
8. Tutukaka Markets
Take a break form all the adventures and enjoy an afternoon at the Tutukaka markets. Grabbing some delicious food and relaxing listening to the music my favourite things to do after a long day at on the water.
The markets take place right in Tutukaka on the field in front of the marina. Unfortunately they are only operating on select days during the summer season.
The dates for the 2023/2024 season are:
- Oct 21st
- Nov 11th
- Dec 2nd
- Jan 13th
- Jan 27th
- Feb 10th
- Feb 24th
- Mar 30th
The markets have everything from yummy foods and fresh produce to local art and clothing stalls.
It does get very popular so make sure to go with plenty of time to find parking and wander around.
9. Beach Hop
I can not even count how many weekends I have spent up in Northland exploring all the best beaches. Every new beach I go is always perfect and the beaches around Tutukaka are no exception.
My favourite beach Whale Bay has already been mentioned above but there are plenty of other great beaches in the area too.
Matapouri is probably the most well known beach in the area. It is a popular spot for families as there are many baches and places to stay right by the beach. There is small surf here but certain areas of the beach are much more sheltered.
Woolleys Bay and Sandy Bay north of Tutukaka are the go to surf beaches in the area. These beaches are a lot more exposed than others in the area meaning the surf here is quite good.
Beach hop between all these epic spots and create your own mini road trip.
10. Stand up Paddle Board with SUP Bros
On a hot summers day there is nothing better than getting out on the water. Being a popular holiday destination, of course you want to try something fun and new on your trip. This is where SUP Bros come in.
SUP Bro Tours off stand up paddle board lessons and tours for people of all ages and abilities.
If you are new to SUP the lessons will teach you all you need to know and get you up and on that paddle board in no time.
Already pretty good on the SUP? Then a tour to some of the hidden spots along the coast is the option for you. Let the guides take you to some epic locations that are only accessible by water.
Check out the SUP Bro Tours website for more information.
11. Brunch at Shnapper Rock
In my opinion one of the best spots for food in Tutukaka is Shnapper Rock. This incredible place is open for breakfast lunch and dinner.
The food here is super fresh with some of the produce even being grown on site. Local and free range foods are also used in all the meals with emphasis on paddock to plate.
This is a very popular spot so you will need to make a reservation during the busier months.
Wrap up – Best things to do in Tutukaka
Northland is such a beautiful spot in New Zealand and Tutukaka definitely shows off some of the reasons why. If you get the chance to head to Tutukaka this summer make sure to experience some of the best things to do listed above.
