Whangaumu Bay — also widely known as Wellington’s Bay after an early European landowner — is one of the most sheltered swimming beaches on the Tūtūkākā Coast, about 30 kilometres east of Whangārei city. A long crescent of white sand curves around a bay that faces north, offering calm and safe swimming for families. From the beach, the Hen and Chicken Islands sit clearly on the horizon.
Practical Information
| Location | End of Whangaumu Street, Tūtūkākā (turn left at the T-intersection on Tūtūkākā Block Road) |
|---|---|
| Distance from city | Approx. 30 km / 30 minutes from Whangārei city centre |
| Parking | Free public car park at Wellington’s Bay Reserve |
| Facilities | Toilets under the pines at the car park end |
| Camping | Freedom camping permitted — 1 night per month limit; closed 18 December to 8 February |
| Activities | Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, surfcasting |
| Cost | Free |
| Lifeguard | Not patrolled |
About Whangaumu Bay
The bay sits at the end of Whangaumu Street, reached by turning left at the T-intersection on Tūtūkākā Block Road rather than continuing toward Tūtūkākā Marina. The beach is well sheltered from ocean swell, which makes it consistently calm — a contrast to the surf beaches further along the coast. The sand is pale and clean, with pine trees edging the car park end and native coastal vegetation along the northern rocks.
The dual name reflects the area’s history. Whangaumu is the original Māori name for the bay, and Wellington’s Bay entered local use after an early European landowner. Both names still circulate — the road signs say Whangaumu Street, but you’ll hear Wellington’s Bay used interchangeably among locals.
At the northern end of the beach, a short scramble over the rocks between the headland and a small island reveals a tucked-away section of coast with rock pools at low tide and clear water at high tide. This is a good spot for children to explore while adults swim in the main bay.
Swimming and Water Quality
Whangaumu Bay is one of the safer swimming options on the Tūtūkākā Coast. The sheltered position means there’s rarely significant surf or rip current, and the water is generally clear. The Northland Regional Council monitors water quality here regularly during summer — results are available through the LAWA (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa) website and the Swim Guide app. As with any coastal beach in Northland, it’s worth avoiding swimming for two to three days after heavy rainfall, when stormwater runoff can temporarily affect water quality.
What Visitors Say
“One of those spots that feels like a secret even though locals have known about it forever. The water was so calm and clear — perfect for the kids.”
“Amazing views of the Hen and Chicken Islands from the beach. We kayaked out toward the rocks on the north side and found some brilliant snorkelling.”
Where to Learn More
LAWA — Wellington’s Bay water quality gives current and historical water quality monitoring data, including Enterococci counts from summer testing.
WhangareiNZ.com — Tūtūkākā Coast covers the wider coast including Whangaumu Bay, Whale Bay, and Matapouri Beach with practical visitor information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whangaumu Bay the same as Wellington’s Bay?
Yes — both names refer to the same beach. Whangaumu is the original Māori name; Wellington’s Bay is the name given by an early European landowner. Both are in common local use.
Is it safe for children to swim at Whangaumu Bay?
Yes. The sheltered bay has calm water most of the time, with no significant surf or rip currents. It’s one of the more family-friendly beaches on the Tūtūkākā Coast.
Is freedom camping allowed at Whangaumu Bay?
Yes, with restrictions. You can camp for 1 night per month. The site is closed to freedom camping from 18 December to 8 February each year.
Can I launch a kayak here?
Yes — the calm water and easy beach access make Whangaumu Bay well suited for kayaking and paddleboarding.
How do I get there from Whangārei?
Head toward Ngunguru on State Highway 1, then follow the signs to Tūtūkākā. At the T-intersection on Tūtūkākā Block Road, turn left toward Whangaumu Street rather than continuing to the marina.
Is there phone coverage at Whangaumu Bay?
Coverage can be patchy on the Tūtūkākā Coast. Download maps and tide information before leaving Whangārei.
Whangaumu Bay is part of the swimming beaches around Whangārei — a guide to the coast’s best spots for families and visitors. Nearby, Whale Bay is a short drive further along the coast, and Matapouri Beach offers calm estuary swimming popular with families.