| 41 T T Kelly Deeks Marina a hub for wider community Facilities at Tutukaka Marina are designed to cater to both long-term berth holders and visiting vessels. Tutukaka Marina REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tutukaka Marina has long been a hub for the Far North’s boating community and a gateway to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. Located roughly halfway between Auckland and the Bay of Islands, the marina offers a mix of commercial and recreational facilities, drawing anglers, divers, and holidaymakers to the area. Marina manager Dylan Lease says the marina has grown significantly since it was first established. “We’ve got some commercial boats in here, from fishing to diving charters. It’s just a short trip down the harbour to Poor Knights Island, so it’s very accessible for people wanting to explore the area,” he says. The marina itself is undergoing upgrades to improve access and safety. A local community group, supported by the local council, is currently working on renovations to the public boat ramp, adding a second lane and extending the floating pontoon so boats can launch from both sides during the busy summer months. Plans are also under discussion to redesign the southern breakwater, which would help mitigate tsunami and surge risks in the harbour. Dylan recalls an event in January 2022 when the record-breaking Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano eruption produced a significant surge causing serious damage to both marina structures and vessels at Tutukaka. Since then, the fuel jetty and some pier heads have been significantly strengthened and re-built. Facilities at Tutukaka Marina are designed to cater to both long-term berth holders and visiting vessels. A 24/7 fuel jetty, fresh water, showers, toilets, laundry, and a sewage pump-out station are all available, along with recycling and waste oil disposal. Shore power is also accessible for vessels staying overnight. “People can call in for fuel, visit one of our four local restaurants, stock up on ice, food, and wine, and even stay for a few nights if they like,” Dylan says. The marina isn’t just a boating hub, it’s a community asset. The Tutukaka Marina Management Trust supports local organisations and makes the conference room available for not-for-profit events, with small donations going to the Tutukaka Coast Youth Sailing Club. The marina’s history reflects its growth alongside the region. In 1970, the Northland Harbour Board began reclaiming land at the head of Tutukaka Harbour to establish the facility. From a handful of pile moorings, the marina has evolved to feature modern concrete pontoons, overnight berths, and a renowned fishing club. Its location makes it a convenient base for game fishing in blue water or exploring nearby harbours and beaches. Land-based activities are also within easy reach. The surrounding coastline boasts beautiful bush walks and some of the country’s most pristine beaches, making Tutukaka Marina a draw for visitors wanting to combine boating with coastal adventures. For visiting vessels, the marina website www.tutukaka.co.nz provides detailed guidance to ensure safe navigation. The harbour channel requires vessels drawing more than 1.8 metres to enter two hours either side of low tide, and a newly positioned starboard channel buoy helps guide incoming boats safely past the northern shoreline. The basin itself was originally dredged to two metres below chart datum, providing a reliable depth for a wide range of vessels. Whether it’s supporting the local community, offering top-notch boating facilities, or acting as a launch pad for some of New Zealand’s most spectacular marine and coastal experiences, Tutukaka Marina continues to play a central role in the region. As Dylan says: “We’re more than a marina – we’re a place for the community, for visitors, and for anyone who loves being on the water.” Marine | Industrial | Domestic “Proud to support the Tutukaka Marina.” Dean Yendell Tutukaka Coast
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