A Local Secret and a Sandspit
Kauakarangi is a small sandspit and bay at the northern edge of Ngunguru Bay on the Tutukākā Coast in Northland, directly in front of Ngunguru School on Te Maika Road. A tidal stream separates the small community from the sandspit, easily crossed at low tide. On the sandspit, dunes covered in grasses and shrubs slope down to a mixed sand and pebble beach. It is photogenic, ecologically rich, and largely unknown to visitors, making it one of the more interesting spots to discover along the Tutukākā Coast.
Wildlife and Restoration
The dunes at Kauakarangi are home to threatened shorebirds, including NZ dotterel (tūturiwhatu) and variable oystercatchers (tōrea pango), which nest and raise their young here. Native skinks, butterflies, and the elusive katipō spider also live within the dune system. The dunes’ role as a coastal buffer was demonstrated during Cyclone Gabrielle, when cameras showed the dunes limiting damage to the adjacent road and school.
Active restoration is led by DuneScape, a local organisation founded by ecologist Amy Bazeley. Invasive privet, acacia, sweet pea shrub, and ice plants have been removed through community working bees. Native dune species, including spinifex (tihetihe, also known as kowhangatara), pīngao, and pohuehue, have been replanted to bind sand and restore biodiversity.
The Coastal Route to Whangaumu Bay
At low tide, Whangaumu Bay can be reached from Kauakarangi by a scenic coastal walk of around an hour each way. From the sandspit, at low tide, it is safe to wade in knee-deep water around the first two points, past two beautiful, golden sand unnamed beaches. At the second beach, you can find the start of the Whangaumu Bay Track, which takes you to the bay via a spectacular lookout point. The wading avoids the need to climb over sharp, jagged rocks in places. The route passes by a small natural arch before arriving at the Kauakarangi sandspit. It is a very local, lesser-known experience.
You can also walk along Te Maika Road to the access to the second bay, but it's not as much fun!
How to Get There
Kauakarangi is on Te Maika Road at the northeast end of Ngunguru, directly in front of Ngunguru School. Public toilets are available outside the school, and parking is on Te Maika Road. Fishing off the spit is also a popular activity.
Other nearby places include the Tutukākā township and marina, Church Bay, and Kowharewa Bay, and to walk the Tutukākā Track.
