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The
Tutukaka Coast loop road takes you from Lupton Lodge (Glenbervie,
Whangarei), around the coast and back past the Whangarei Falls. This is an
enjoyable 2 hour self-drive trip if you only have time to look out the
window, or a fantastic day trip (or several day trips!) when enjoying the
activities along the way.
The
self-drive tour can be travelled in either direction when following the
instructions below.
Tutukaka Coast loop road (rejoins SH1 at Hikurangi)
Lupton
Lodge to Ngunguru (10 mins) Drive
east from Lupton Lodge towards the coast following the dry-stone walls
that line each side of the road. After winding through the countryside
you reach a tidal river leading towards Ngunguru. Native bush and
mangroves surround you as you come closer to the coast. On the right is
the Ngunguru River where you can do a cruise with Captain Percy (advance bookings recommended). Visit Raku Pottery on your left before you reach Ngunguru
village. Ngunguru has a cafe, fish & chips takeaway shop, dairy and
hairdresser.
Stroll along the waterfront with an ice cream or walk around the coast
to Whangaumu Bay (Wellingtons Bay) when the tide is low.
Ngunguru
to Tutukaka Marina (5 mins)
Following
the coast out of town the road winds upwards and inland. Towards the top
of the hill on the right is an observation area where you can look out
on the islands across the sea. Continuing on down the hill take a detour
along Tutukaka Block road which leads along a peninsula with several
cute bays and great views before you arrive at Whangaumu Bay. You have
to back track from there onto the main road where you will find the
Tutukaka Marina at the bottom of the hill. There are a restaurant/bar, pizzeria and a pub/cafe at the Marina to keep your stomach busy. Other points of
interest include Discover
Tutukaka's Booking Office and Tutukaka Surf Company, where you can hire a surf board or book in for
lessons. Wander amongst the boats around the marina or just sit
back with a coffee or a glass of wine and enjoy the ambience. Diving
and snorkeling/sightseeing boat trips to the Poor
Knights Islands operate from the Tutukaka Marina. Fishing
charters and kayaking also depart from the Tutukaka Marina.
Tutukaka
Marina to Hikurangi (1 hour)
Leaving
Tutukaka, head into the hills towards Matapouri. You can stop in at a sub-tropical
plant nursery or alpaca farm along the way. Matapouri is the first bay
you reach. Take one of the roads on the right to get to parking by the
beach. This bay is great for strolling on the white sand or having a
dip. You can walk around the coast to Whale Bay (see photo above) or
jump back in the car and drive to the Whale Bay carpark (top of the hill
on the right) from where you can follow the track down the hill. This
track takes about 10 minutes to walk each way and is well worth the
trip. Further on from Whale Bay is Woolleys Bay and then Sandy Bay (surf
beach). The road then winds inland towards Hikurangi where you join up
with SH1 - stop in at The Turning Post to see some locally
"turned" woodenware. There is a small Museum in Hikurangi. Hikurangi
to Lupton Lodge (30 mins)
Turn
left onto SH1 and head back towards Whangarei. After the speed limit
reduces to 70kmph you will see a sign to the right directing you to
Whangarei Falls/Tutukaka Coast. Drive into Kamo until the traffic lights
where you turn left. Follow this road to the T-Junction at Kiripaka Rd
where you turn left. About 200m on your right is the entrance to the
Whangarei Falls. You can either view the spectacular falls from above,
walk to the bottom for a better view or spend an hour doing the
round-trip bush walk to the AH Reed Kauri Walk. On your way back to
Lupton Lodge stop in at Glenbervie Pottery on your right or one of the
other art galleries along Ngunguru road.
More
Northland driving itineraries and day trip suggestions
More
information about Lupton Lodge
For Lupton Lodge Bookings or Enquiries phone +64 9 437 2989 or Email
Us
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