Tutukaka Coast: Whangārei to Matapouri

Ngunguru Road, Tutukaka Block Road, Matapouri Road · Whangarei → Matapouri

Twisty18.6 mi40 min1,500 ft climbHigh point ≈ 400 ftOne way

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The drive

This is the road out of Whangārei to the Tutukaka Coast, from the Tikipunga edge of the city to Matapouri. It runs 30 km (19 mi) in about 40 minutes on Ngunguru Road and Matapouri Road, with tight bends through bush and over ridges.

Ngunguru, the first seaside village, lies about 3 km south of Tutukākā. The drive passes the turn-off to Tutukākā harbour, where boats leave for the Poor Knights Islands, and ends near Matapouri and Woolleys Bay.

The Whale Bay car park is on Matapouri Road, and the Otito Track from there leads on foot to Whale Bay and its views of the Poor Knights.

Along the way

Whangarei (Tikipunga)
Ngunguru Road
Matapouri

Elevation

1,500 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 400 ft

WhangareiMatapouri

Curves

Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches

mi 2–4mi 10–17mi 16–19

WhangareiMatapouri

GentleHairpins

Good to know

The road is narrow and bendy, with tight bends through bush and over ridges.
Whale Bay can be reached only on foot, from the car park on Matapouri Road.
Tutukākā village is on a short spur off the main road, so it is not on this drive.
Beach car parks and camping rules vary by site, so read the signs at Woolleys Bay.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Whangārei District Council: roadworks and closures.

Questions about this drive

How long is the drive from Whangārei to Matapouri?

Ngunguru Road and Matapouri Road from Whangārei to Matapouri are 30 km (19 mi) and take about 40 minutes.

Is the Tutukaka Coast road twisty?

The Tutukaka Coast road has mostly moderate curves with three twisty stretches of tight bush and ridge bends.

Where do boats to the Poor Knights Islands leave from?

Boats to the Poor Knights leave from Tutukākā marina, a short way off Ngunguru Road on this drive.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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