From the Bay of Islands/North:
From State Highway 1 you can take the scenic route and take the first road to the left at Hikurangi (signposted to the Tutukaka Coast). Turn left in Hikurangi towards the coast and follow the road past Sandy Bay, Woolley's Bay, Whale Bay, Matapouri and the Tutukaka Marina.
As you go up the hill after the marina take the first road on the left called Tutukaka Block Road. Follow this road till the end (Whangaumu Bay) and turn right at the T-junction. The Sands Motel is on the left. If you prefer the less winding route then follow the signs to the Tutukaka Coast through Kamo (right off State Highway 1) and then the directions through Ngunguru above.