Tutukaka Head tracks: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This short, easy walk leads to the coast and a lighthouse - it's a great option for kids.

This DOC directory entry covers Tutukaka Head tracks in Northland, within Tutukaka area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 1 hr
• DOC grade: Easy

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Two tracks lead from the car park:

• The main track to the Tutukaka lighthouse

• A short walk that drops down the south side of the headland

The track to the Tutukaka lighthouse runs along the top of a headland, through pōhutukawa 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 views of the surrounding northward coastline. The track then deviates into the middle of the headland and travels up through bush consisting mainly of kōuka/cabbage trees, harakeke/flax and mānuka.

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.

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 Oceans Resort Hotel. This road, Landowners Lane, is a private access marked by a ‘Private Road’ sign. The public only have right of passage – respect other people’s privacy.

Know before you go

• Cliffs/fall hazards present. Supervise children.

• 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.

• The track on Kukutauwhao Island is rough and uneven and can be slippery when wet. Footwear with good grip is recommended.

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.