The Surf Beach of the Tutukākā Coast
Sandy Bay is the best surf break on the Tutukākā Coast, consistently producing waves a size or two larger than neighbouring beaches. It lies at the north end of the coastal section of Matapouri Road, the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. The beach is wide and open, facing east across the Pacific Ocean, with the Poor Knights Islands visible offshore on clear days.
Surf and Activities
Sandy Bay suits all levels of surfers. Surf schools operate here during the warmer months, and surf competitions are held periodically. Surfboards can be hired from Tutukākā Surf in Tutukākā, about 10 minutes south, or at the beach. Surf lessons are popular, with this rated as one of the best places for learning to surf due to its consistency and relatively safe beach.
A small stream cuts across the northern end, creating a calm, shallow pool well suited to young children. The stream flows out across the beach below the point with some interesting rock formations to explore at low tide. The main section of the beach is also wide and flat, and as the tide retreats, the reflective surf wash makes it a good spot for photography. Large pōhutukawa trees provide shade along the road and at the southern end.
The Whananaki Coastal Walkway
Sandy Bay is the southern trailhead for the Whananaki Coastal Walkway, part of Te Araroa. The track heads north from the end of McAuslin Road, about one kilometre past the main car park. From Sandy Bay to Whananaki South is around five to six kilometres, taking about one and a half to two hours one way; the full return walk takes around six hours. You can also bike this route. The walk ends at Whananaki, where a 395-metre footbridge built in 1947 crosses the estuary. A side track leads to the Capitaine Bougainville monument, commemorating the 1975 sinking of the vessel and the loss of 16 lives.
Facilities
The Sandy Bay Recreation Reserve has a small car park; however, there is space to park on the side of the road above the beach. There are public toilets, grassy picnic areas, and barbecue facilities. Freedom camping is available for self-contained vehicles, with a one-night limit; the site is restricted from mid-December to mid-February.
How to Get There
Sandy Bay lies 11.2 km and a 17-minute drive north of Tutukākā along Matapouri Road. From Whangārei, the drive is 34 km and takes 41 minutes, via Kaiatea Road to the north end of Matapouri Road.
Nearby places to visit include Matapouri Bay, Woolleys Bay, Whale Bay, and the Otito Track.
