A tugboat which hit rocks off Tutukaka will be salvaged today.
Coastguard Northern Region said the 13m vessel had struck rocks on the northern side of the entrance to Tutukaka Harbour, just north of Whangarei, about 9.10pm yesterday.
Northland police Search and Rescue Sergeant Craig Burrows said a man and woman and their dog were brought to shore after their emergency beacon pinpointed their location on the inside of the harbour.
The couple stayed in Whangrei overnight.
The Northland Regional Council deputy Harbour Master was on the water at 11.30am today working out a salvage plan as the tide was rising.
Northern Advocate reporter Kristin Edge paddled out on a waka to have a look at the boat.