Tutukaka Coast & the Poor Knights Islands

Introducing Tutukaka Coast & the Poor Knights Islands

If Goat Island Marine Reserve whetted your appetite, diving at the Poor Knights is the feast followed by a wafer-thin mint that might cause your stomach to explode. Apart from the natural underwater scenery, two decommissioned navy ships have been sunk nearby for divers to explore.

Following the road northeast of Whangarei for 26km, you’ll first come to the sweet village of Ngunguru near the mouth of a broad river. Tutukaka is a kilometre further on, its marina bustling with yachts, dive crews and game-fishing boats.

From Tutukaka the road heads slightly inland, popping out 10km later at the golden sands of Matapouri. At the beach’s north end a sign points through the long grass to the magnificent Mermaid Pool, a deep natural rock pool with crystal-clear water flushed out by the tide. It’s an effort to reach but well worth it; follow the track through an unlikely looking hole in the rock, turn right and clamber along the rocks for about 10 minutes.

Continuing north from Matapouri, the sublime wide expanse of Sandy Bay, one of Northland’s premiere surf beaches, comes into view. Long-boarding competitions are held here in summer. The road then loops back to join SH1 at Hikurangi. A branch leading off from this road doubles back north to the coast at Whananaki, where there are more glorious beaches and the Otamure Bay DOC campsite (adult/child $7/3.50).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009