Take a scenic detour on your way to the Bay of Islands via the Tutukaka coast drive through Ngnunguru and Tutukaka. Stop at Matapouri for a swim, it's a beautiful beach.

If you want to stay, Bluewater Cottages are up in the hills between Matapouri and Tutukaka with beautiful views over the ocean and out to the Poor Knights Islands

Bluewater cottages,Matapouri Rd, 09-434-3423. Approx 26km northeast of Whangarei

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The Poor Knights Islands lie in the deep, clear blue waters 23km off the coast of Tutukaka, and are reputed to have the best diving in New Zealand.

French naturalist Jacques Cousteau rated it as one of the "Top 10" diving spots in the world.

There are caves, archways and tunnels overflowing with fish and other marine life. In the warm, fertile waters of the Poor Knights a number of sub-tropical species not usually seen in New Zealand water have become well established. The underwater terrain varies enormously, from gently sloping shallows, to narrow, steep-sided arches, with huge schools of fish and shafts of brilliant sunlight piercing the clear water.

Quite apart from the diving, the Tutukaka Coast is simply stunning and serves as an excellent base for exploring Northland.

Tutukaka, Northland, Whangarei

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