Where to stay around Tutukaka?
When coming diving or snorkelling from Tutukaka, you have to be there for 7.30am, so you need to plan ahead. So if you do not have a vehicle, you will want to stay in Tutukaka unless you can arrange a shuttle bus or set off early walking.
Do be aware that sometimes charter trips get cancelled due to bad sea conditions. The charter companies will refund you or move your booking to another date. The local accommodation suppliers cannot usually be as flexible.
Campervans – Self contained
Freedom camping options
Hotels, Hostels and Air B&B’s
In Tutukaka
Tutukaka Holiday Park. 5 minute walk from Dive Now, Tutukaka. Look out for the giant marlin.
Campervans, Tenting, Cabins and Dorms. Just be aware that you must arrive within office hours.
Enjoy a bush walk to see Goliath, the giant Kauri tree.
Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka Right next door to Dive Now, Tutukaka.
Five room styles to choose from. Pool on site.
Look for Air BnBs
Over 5km
Lupton Lodge 17.8km
Stonehaven Motel 27.8km Whangarei
Top 10 Holiday Park Whangarei 27.2km
Whangarei Central Holiday Park 30km
Freedom camping
If you’re in a certified Self Contained vehicle, then there are plenty of freedom camping options at some amazing sites. Many of the Tutukaka sites are closed down over the busy weeks of summer, so look on the local council websites to find out more. Closed to campers between December 18 and February 8 each year.
Some of our favourite sites
Whangaumu Bay. MAP 4.5km from Dive Now ,Tutukaka. With just space for four vehicles at the northern end, this is a great place to camp. Limited to ONE night. There are spaces at the southern end too.
Kowharewa Bay. MAP 2.8km from Dive Now, Tutukaka. Limited to ONE night.
Matapouri Bay. MAP 7.4km from Dive Now, Tutukaka.
Woolley’s Bay. MAP 10km from Dive Now, Tutukaka. The Western Car Park.
With the beach just over the dunes. The calm waters make it ideal for swimming and paddle boarding, while the surrounding dunes and hills create a peaceful, enclosed feel that’s perfect for a quiet overnight stay.
Sandy Bay. MAP 11.8km from Dive Now, Tutukaka. Overnight parking is at the Northern end. The bay is the premier surf beach on the iconic Tutukaka Coast. It is widely celebrated for its highly consistent, reliable east-coast swell. The southern end of the beach offers a sheltered area with smaller waves, ideal for basic swimming, paddle boarding, and family beach days
In Whangarei
Onerahi Sports Ground at the top of Onerahi Hill offers self-contained freedom camping spot when the grounds are not being used for sports.