A Calm Crescent at the End of the Road
Whangaumu Bay, also widely known as Wellington's Bay after an early European landowner, sits at the eastern end of Tutukākā Block Road. The official name Whangaumu has been restored, though Wellington's Bay remains in common local use. It is one of the most family-friendly beaches on the Tutukākā Coast in Northland: a long crescent of white sand, well sheltered from ocean swell, with calm and safe swimming.
Exploring the Beach
The beach in the bay is south-facing, about 1 km long, crescent-shaped, and has attractive white sand. Rocky headlands mark both ends, with a walking track to the point, 20 metres high, and the ridge at the western end.
A row of houses fronts the beach, with a reserve at the east end of Whangamanu Road providing the main access. Pōhutukawa and large pine trees shade the reserve end. Rock pools can be explored at the eastern end of the bay.
Activities and Facilities
The bay is well-suited to swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and surfcasting. There is also some space for freedom camping. A one-night limit per calendar month applies, and the site closes to campers from 18 December to 8 February. Public toilets are at the reserve under the large pine trees.
Discover the Whangamanu Bay Track
The Whangamanu Bay Track runs west from Whangaumu Bay to a spectacular lookout on the point west of the beach, then continues west along a ridge line through regenerating native bush to an unnamed cove and beach. At low tide, it is possible to walk and wade north along the coast to Kauakarangi Bay and Ngunguru.
How to Get There
From Tutukākā, turn onto Tutukākā Block Road and follow it for 6 km to the end, turning left at the T-intersection onto Whangaumu Street. Parking is at the reserve at the east end of the beach. From Whangarei, follow the Twin Coast Discover Highway to Tutukākā, then continue to the bay. The drive takes 38 minutes and is 33 km.
Other nearby places to visit include Church Bay, Kowharewa Bay and Tutukākā Track.
