Beach (church bay)
Beach (church bay), Tutukaka Block Road, Tutukaka, New Zealand- Attraction
English
Hotels in Tutukaka9.2Exceptional(415 reviews) 
61% match
60% match
59% match
The Sands Motel Absolute Beachfront Tutukaka
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About this hotel
Beachfront Paradise
Escape to The Sands Motel in Tutukaka for a relaxing beachfront getaway.
Family-Friendly Accommodation
Enjoy spacious family rooms and a barbecue area, perfect for quality time with your loved ones.
Comfort and Convenience
Indulge in air-conditioned rooms with sea views, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies. Free WiFi and a fridge in each room ensure a comfortable stay.
Ready to experience beachfront bliss at The Sands Motel? Book your stay now and create unforgettable memories by the sea.
Nearby Attractions
Whale Tail Park
Whale Tail Park, Ngunguru, Whangārei District, New Zealand- Park
Important Information
A deposit may be required at the property.
Stay Details
Check-in from
02:00 PM
Check-out by
10:00 AM
Parking
FREE
Children
Allowed
Pets
Not allowed
Amenities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Heating
Family rooms
Garden
BBQ facilities
Board games/puzzles
Beachfront
Minimarket on site
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Beach
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Laundry washed per local authority guidelines
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
Cashless payment available
Fire extinguishers
First aid kit available
Sanitized tableware & silverware
Invoice provided
Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
Smoke alarms
Physical distancing in dining areas
Key access
CCTV outside property
Room Types
Two-Bedroom Apartment with Ocean View
Up to 5 guests47 sqmDouble bed (131-150 cm wide), 2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Sofa bed (Variable Size)
This air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a shower. Guests can make meals in the kitchen that is equipped with a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. Featuring a balcony with sea views, this apartment also provides a seating area and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 4 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 5 guests
5 adults · 4 children
Beds
Double bed (131-150 cm wide), 2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Sofa bed (Variable Size)
Room details
47 sqm
Sea View, Ocean View
In-room amenities
ShowerTVAir conditioningHair dryerRefrigeratorSeating AreaToiletMicrowavePrivate bathroomHeatingSatellite channelsKitchenSofaElectric kettleOvenStovetop
Deluxe One-Bedroom Apartment with Ocean View
Up to 2 guests38 sqmDouble bed (131-150 cm wide)
This air-conditioned apartment is comprised of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower. The fully equipped kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. Featuring a balcony with sea views, this apartment also offers a seating area and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults
Beds
Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
38 sqm
Sea View, Ocean View
In-room amenities
ShowerTVAir conditioningHair dryerRefrigeratorSeating AreaToiletMicrowavePrivate bathroomHeatingSatellite channelsKitchenSofaElectric kettleOvenStovetop
Family Room with Sea View
Up to 4 guests47 sqm2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Guests can make meals in the kitchen that is equipped with a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The spacious family room provides air conditioning, a seating area, a balcony with sea views as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 3 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 4 guests
4 adults · 3 children
Beds
2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
47 sqm
Sea View
In-room amenities
ShowerTVAir conditioningHair dryerRefrigeratorSeating AreaToiletMicrowavePrivate bathroomHeatingSatellite channelsKitchenSofaElectric kettleOvenStovetop
Ask about this hotel
Get answers about amenities, policies, and more — e.g. “Are pets allowed?” or “Is parking available?”
Guest reviews(415 total)
Provider-sourced guest reviews.
10/10
Reviewed Sep 15, 2026Loved the friendly welcome we received, and the location right on the beach.
No complaints.
7/10
Reviewed Sep 13, 2026Beach view/access
10/10
Reviewed Sep 10, 2026Fantastic location 20 metres from beach.
Nil
10/10
Reviewed Sep 5, 2026Right on the beach front with easy access to get down! Super friendly hosts!
10/10
Reviewed Aug 23, 2026Very beautifully presented. Very clean and comfortable. Lovely view.
All good
10/10
Reviewed Aug 15, 2026Vicinity, size and staff.
N/A
9/10
Reviewed Aug 3, 2026Beachfront Quiet.
The sliding door needs a bit of attention.
10/10
Reviewed Jul 15, 2026Amazing location, super friendly helpful managers, nice n clean, great value
Had to leave
10/10
Reviewed Jul 11, 2026Beautiful location with comfortable clean accommodations. The staff is very friendly.
9/10
Reviewed Jul 4, 2026Exceeded our expectations. View from our room was gorgeous. Very comfortable. Would definitely stay here again.
9/10
Reviewed Jun 19, 2026Fantastic location on the beachfront. Whangaumu Bay is a gentle, sandy great family beach. Host Shelly was lovely....welcoming and informative. The unit was very clean and comfortable and had everything we needed.
10/10
Reviewed Jun 19, 2026Everything 🤩
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Jun 7, 2026The location is awe-inspiring, being able to go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the waves breaking on the beach was truly magical. The unit was immaculately clean and perfectly positioned to capture the sun for most of the day
Water pressure not that strong but ok
8/10
Reviewed May 31, 2026Friendly staff, clean and comfortable with spectacular views
Maybe a non-slip mat in the shower
10/10
Reviewed May 26, 2026Amazing place to stay, right on the beach. Really peaceful and beautiful. Well stocked wee unit.
8/10
Reviewed May 22, 2026Cleanliness, sea view, cooking facilities & staff
9/10
Reviewed May 21, 2026Lovely stand alone motel unit with sea views on the beach and sea
We only stayed one night. Wish we had time to stay longer.
10/10
Reviewed May 19, 2026Pal.aan zee! Zo mooi. Je hoort de zee terwijl je slaapt.. Echt een aanrader. En super vriendelijke en behulpzame eigenaren.
8/10
Reviewed May 18, 2026The sea view, washer and dryer, quiet area
Hard to find signs for directions
10/10
Reviewed May 16, 2026I have stayed before. Always great. Will stay again in the future. Great time to unwind and enjoy surroundings.
9/10
Reviewed May 14, 2026Superb location on the beach with beautiful views, hosts friendly and very welcoming, apartment clean, nice decor, comfortable everything you need and beautiful beach and beaches close, restaurants and eateries close - - such a lovely couple of days away
9/10
Reviewed May 13, 2026We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful beachfront motel with stunning views and direct access to the beach. The unit was spotless, peaceful, and very comfortable, and we loved falling asleep to the sound of the waves. The staff were warm and friendly, and we would definitely stay here again.
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed May 5, 2026Lovely spot with great hosts
8/10
Reviewed May 4, 2026Location excellent
An iconic Kiwi Motel so old but well cared for
9/10
Reviewed May 4, 2026Warm welcome from the the friendly staff and beautiful location, walk out of your room straight to the beach. Sleep listening to the sounds of the waves. The unit was very clean and the bed was comfortable. Would definitely stay here again.
Nothing, we had a relaxing time
9/10
Reviewed Apr 30, 2026Tranquil location with comfy bed, large fridge & view of beach / bay.
7/10
Reviewed Apr 28, 2026Nice and quiet 🤫 👌 Location is beautiful
Sofa uncomfortable to sit and watch TV on Small.for a family unit but other wise loved our stay
9/10
Reviewed Apr 28, 2026Great
10/10
Reviewed Apr 19, 2026This is a truly exceptional little motel that was perfectly suited to our family (me, spouse, and two children aged 5 and 8 years old). The motel has a spectacular beachfront location with a lovely grassed common area and beautiful old pohutukawa trees (NB: They must be hundreds of years old). Tutukaka beach itself is perfect for swimming and kayaking -- sandy and quite sheltered from most wind directions, with lovely views south over the coastline to Whangarei heads. The onsite managers of the motel were also friendly, helpful, and relaxed -- really well-suited to the beach vibes.
8/10
Reviewed Apr 13, 2026Fantastic location
The decor was a little dated in our bit but we understand it’s being updated soon. This didn’t detract from our stay. Unfortunately the weather was stormy so we couldn’t enjoy the beautiful beach.
10/10
Reviewed Apr 2, 2026Unbelievable view on the sea through a really nice terrasse and outside area. From there, you can just walk on a quiet neighborhood beach. Appartments are really well done and equipped with everything needed. Great place for me to go diving from Tutukaka, a few km's away.
Nothing. Just note that you need a car and only small groceries around. Do your foid shopping before getting there.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 27, 2026bellissima posizione ampio appartamento
9/10
Reviewed Mar 27, 2026Location was epic! Absolute beach front. Photos matched location - I would even go as far to say it was even more beautiful. It is what is says - not trying to be anything else! We loved it.
There was nothing I didn't like!
10/10
Reviewed Mar 22, 2026What an amazing place! Beautiful view of the beach from the veranda and direct access. Multiple picnic taples close to the beach. Very well equipped kitchen.
We should have stayed longer
10/10
Reviewed Mar 21, 2026Die Lage ist ein Traum! Die kleine Bungalow-Anlage ist sehr gepflegt und man merkt, dass man versucht mit Dekoration und Bildern die Unterkunft wohnlich zu gestalten. Es hat an nichts gefehlt. Ein sehr nettes Betreiber-Pärchen. Wir können es mit gutem Gewissen empfehlen.
Es ist an sich alles da und es ist alles sauber. Ein kleiner Punkt ist das sehr kleine Bad das ein wenig in die Jahre gekommen ist aber dennoch sauber war, neue Toilettenbrille, sauberer Duschvorhang aber halt hier und da ist der Lack ab, wie man so sprichwörtlich sagt.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 16, 2026Everything's. Wonderful place. The best what we saw in NZ.
5/10
Reviewed Mar 10, 2026Loved the location loved the staff. Very clean unit
Beds were not that comfortable. Shower pressure was terrible
10/10
Reviewed Mar 10, 2026Für die Lage, die Sauberkeit sowie die außergewöhnliche Freundlichkeit und das Engagement der beiden Manager würden wir am liebsten noch zusätzliche Punkte vergeben. Man spürt sofort, mit wie viel Herzblut hier gearbeitet wird. Die Anlage ist angenehm klein und überschaubar – mit nur sechs Einheiten herrscht eine wunderbar ruhige und persönliche Atmosphäre. Unsere Wohnung war sehr schön, großzügig geschnitten und hervorragend ausgestattet. Besonders die Küche ließ keine unserer Wünsche offen: Alles, was man braucht, ist vorhanden. Wir hatten zudem das große Glück, traumhaftes Wetter zu genießen und konnten deshalb viel Zeit draußen verbringen. Die Anlage liegt direkt an einem wunderschönen Strand - ideal zum Baden im Meer, für Spaziergänge am Wasser oder um einfach den Sonnenuntergang zu genießen. Gerade am Abend ist die Stimmung dort einfach magisch. Für uns war der Aufenthalt rundum gelungen. In dieser Lage, mit dieser Ausstattung und zu diesem Preis ist es wirklich ein kleines Paradies. Wir haben uns sehr wohlgefühlt und können dieses Motel aus voller Überzeugung weiterempfehlen.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 1, 2026Beautiful location right by the beach and such a relaxing time, Shelley and Ross are great so friendly and ensured we were happy and comfortable, loved the comfortable beds and pillows, kitchen had everything you needed and we were allowed to park on the grass right by our unit will definitely stay again
Loved it all
10/10
Reviewed Mar 1, 2026This property was one of our two top stays this 38th trip to NZ. Perched right on a beautiful swimming beach with nice grounds and BBQs. Shelly and Ross could not be more welcoming and hospitable. Each unit has two bedrooms, well equipped kitchen, spotless clean bathroom and good internet and TV. True KIWI motel.
Everything was great.
10/10
Reviewed Feb 28, 2026Very clean, right on the beach, big outdoor space. Is great for families!
Nothing that comes to mind.
10/10
Reviewed Jan 29, 2026We were preparing meal by our self, and the facility has absolutely everything for that. You sleep with noise of waves, because the rooms only 30-50 m from the sea.
The last morning, when we had to leave...
10/10
Reviewed Jan 24, 2026Location; Staff; Parking; Cooking facilities; Cleanliness.
8/10
Reviewed Jan 20, 2026Location - closeness to the beach.
Nothing
9/10
Reviewed Jan 19, 2026Location was excellent. shelly was very friendly and accommodating
4/10
Reviewed Jan 19, 2026The location is nice. The place itself is fine, it's the service/management that made us regret our stay
Very rude management/staff. We were shooed out of the place at 10:10 (10 minutes after checkout) with the owner aggressively banging on our door and going on and on that we had to leave (we got it, dude), and using shepherd-like body language to show us the way out. That, after we had received a message from them saying the water would be interrupted from 8:30 to 10:00 (double standard, much?). Also, throughout the stay, the two owners - or staff? - kept walking past our windows, occasionally peering into our room. Very weird behavior that left us with no privacy - were we supposed to keep the blinds closed during the day? The low rating is primarily because of the very rude way we were shooed out of the place. We’ve traveled in 40+ countries and have never been treated this way. Clearly, not everyone is cut out for the hospitality industry.
10/10
Reviewed Jan 19, 2026Did not have breakfast.
There was nothing I did not like.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 28, 2025Perfectly sited on the back of the beach, very quiet location
Everything good
10/10
Reviewed Dec 27, 2025Fantastisk plats, lite på sidan om.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 18, 2025U-förmige Anlage direkt am wunderschönen Sandstrand mit herrlichem Sonnenuntergang. Sehr geräumiges Appartment, Laminatboden. 2 Kühlschränke, eine Gefriertruhe. Fantastisch ausgestattete Küche, alles in Top Zustand. Terrasse mit Meerblick, Carport. Die owner haben an alles gedacht, auch an Wasserbehälter von den Terrassen, um den Sand von den Füßen zu bekommen. Sehr sympathische Inhaber. Familiäre Atmosphäre, die Inhaber bewohnen eins der Appartments
Das Bad war nicht so up to date wie die Küche, aber OK.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 18, 2025Je hebt vanuit je kamer een prachtig uitzicht op het strand en loopt dat ook, via een kleine achtertuin die voorzien is van picnicbankjes en bbq's zo naartoe. Ruim verblijf, goede uitgebreide keuken en koelkast!
8/10
Reviewed Dec 17, 2025Flot , super beliggenhed, rent og pænt
lejligherne mangle en lille smule personlighed
10/10
Reviewed Dec 15, 2025Fantastic location, right on a beautiful beach. Thank you Shelly and Rob for being superb hosts.
8/10
Reviewed Dec 12, 2025Ruhige Lage
10/10
Reviewed Dec 11, 2025Stunning beachside location with a friendly welcome to match.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 11, 2025Everything here is amazing. The location is incredible with the beach right at your doorstep.
N/A
10/10
Reviewed Dec 10, 2025Super hotel situé dans un parc remarquable en bord d'une très belle plage de sable. L'appartement venait d'être refait à neuf et était super bien équipé et très propre. Un séjour idéal.
Séjour trop court
10/10
Reviewed Dec 8, 2025We loved being right on the beach. Just a few steps from the porch and we were in the water. The kitchen had everything we needed to cook in and the water pressure in the shower was great. Super comfortable beds and the hostess was kind enough to lend us beach towels (which we forgot). Lots of great beaches to explore without having to drive anywhere!
Nothing.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 7, 2025Location Location Location - what a beautiful spot! Right on the beach and everything you need. We stayed as a family with adult children for a family friend's daughter's 21st. The place was magic and perfect for our needs. It is spacious and modern. The kitchen was great and we were able to have breakfast on the deck looking at the ocean. We swam multiple times and that is just a small walk down some steps. We also walked down the beach and up the hill to see the views. Highly recommend.
Nothing!
10/10
Reviewed Dec 6, 2025Extremely clean and well maintained
Nothing
7/10
Reviewed Dec 5, 2025Easily accessible location and beachfront. Tranquil spot.
Not very private in the unit I stayed in. Not absolute beachfront as was behind another unit and owners unit right next door.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 3, 2025Shelley & Ross were very friendly and helpful. Proximity of the unit to the beach was fantastic! Quiet, peaceful location with Tutukaka Marina only 5 minutes away for restaurants and cafes.
9/10
Reviewed Dec 3, 2025Great location, comfortable, clean rooms. Well equipped kitchen and bbq area.
9/10
Reviewed Dec 3, 2025Das Motel liegt wunderschön an einer Bucht, mit grossen blühenden Bäumen im Garten. Unsere Zimmer und die Terrasse hatten einen direkten Blick aufs Meer und den Sonnenuntergang. Küche, Bad und Zimmer waren neu renoviert und alles war sehr gut gepflegt. Wir kommen gerne wieder!
9/10
Reviewed Nov 30, 2025Super nettes Team vor Ort, sehr hilfsbereit und zugewandt. Tolle Lage, geht nicht besser. Super sauber und sehr gut ausgestattet. Friedliche und ruhige Umgebung. Toller Strand direkt an der Unterkunft, über eine Treppe zu erreichen. In der kleinen Anlage gibt es Sitzmöglichkeiten mit Tisch mit Blick aufs Meer.
Moskitonetze an Türen und Fenstern sind leider nicht vorhanden, nur Insektenspray. Leider waren Moskitos in der Unterkunft. Das erste Mal in 5 Wochen Australien/Neuseeland, dass wir richtig viele Mückenstiche hatten und nachts deswegen nicht schlafen konnten. Die Sessel/Polster sollten getauscht werden. Sie sind sicher sauber, es wird sehr gründlich geputzt, aber sie sehen einfach nicht mehr so aus.
7/10
Reviewed Nov 23, 2025Proximity to Beach, views
No shops in the vicinity
10/10
Reviewed Nov 22, 2025Fantastic location right on the beach. Very peaceful. Immaculately clean and very comfortable. Hosts were very welcoming and helpful.
Nothing
8/10
Reviewed Nov 13, 2025Lovely staff
10/10
Reviewed Nov 12, 2025Right on one of most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen! Comfortable, bright and clean.
9/10
Reviewed Nov 12, 2025The location is perfect, walk straight into water from unit
N/a
Guest Feedback
Feedback themes are sourced from guest reviews provided by our data provider.
What guests love
- •Perfect location
- •Friendly hosts
Areas to consider
- •Not very private in some units
Cleanliness
9.16/10Extremely clean and well maintained.
Service
9.63/10Superb hosts and friendly assistance.
Location
9.67/10Perfectly sited on the beach, tranquil and beautiful.
Room Quality
9.12/10Very spacious apartments with modern amenities.
Amenities
9.15/10Well-equipped kitchens and comfortable living spaces.
Value for Money
8.61/10Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Food and Beverage
8.66/10Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Overall Experience
9.63/10A wonderful place to hang out at the beach.