Tutukaka Head

Walking track

Time:  

1 hr

Distance:  

2 km

Getting there

Access to the reserve at the north head of Tutukaka Harbour is via a right of way, which is sign posted off Matapouri Road 400 m past the Tutukaka Hotel. This road is a private access marked by a ‘Private Road’ sign. The public only have right of passage – please respect other people’s privacy.

Please drive carefully. A narrow bit on this road is clearly marked. Limited parking is available at a car park at the entrance of the reserve.

Description

Coastal views from Tutukaka Head

Three tracks lead from the car park:

• The main track to the Tutukaka lighthouse - 35 minutes, described below
• A short track to the north side of the headland to the beach – 300 m / 5-7 minutes
• A short track to the south side of the headland (Tutukaka Harbour) – 200 m / 5 minutes

The track to the Tutukaka lighthouse runs along the top of a headland, through pohutukawa planted in recent years by the community. Stairs lead you down onto the rocks. Follow the old lighthouse power-poles to where the track recommences on Kukutauwhao Island (maintained by the Whangarei District Council).

Kukutauwhao is only an island at high tide because of a deep gut, which fills with water. Crossing this is difficult around high tide or in rough conditions. On Kukutauwhao Island the track runs along the left hand side of the headland providing great vies of the surrounding northward coastline. The track then deviates into the middle of the headland and travels up through bush consisting mainly of cabbage trees, flax and manuka. After a final short climb, the track finishes at the Tutukaka lighthouse on the end of the headland with steep cliffs, where outstanding views reward your efforts.

Activities

For the less energetic, there are several small bays handy to the car park. Take care around young native trees planted by the local community in this area.

Tutukaka offers a whole host of things to do, swimming, boating, fishing, surfing, scuba diving, sight seeing, line fishing trips, deep sea fishing, exciting beaches to discover and explore.

Plan and prepare

What to expect on a walking track:

• Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
• Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
• Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
• Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
• Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required

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