Doubtless Bay

Doubtless Bay is almost too good to be true. Covered with white and caramel sands, spoiled with luxury looking beaches, surrounded by lush nature on the shore lines… Doubtless Bay is undoubtedly a holiday paradise. Beach after beach, this bay invites you to explore, swim, snorkel, sail, fish and more.

Having a sub-tropical climate, this bay has over 70 km of unspoiled coastline with uncrowded beaches. The natural beauty of this area includes endless Pohutukawa trees, blooming during Christmas time, rugged rocky caves, white and golden sand beaches, dolphins and whales as regular guests and abundance of fish and shellfish to explore and catch!

Doubtless Bay

Doubtless Bay is backed by many extensive beaches as Tokerau Beach, Cable Bay, Taipa Beach, Copopers Beach, Mangonui Harbour. There are several settlements within the bay, including Coopers Beach, KariKari Peninsula, Taipa, Mangonui and Hihi.

Real estate in the settlements around this beaches is pretty expensive, with houses prices averaging 0,5 million NZD. (Trademe search in 2019)

History of Doubtless Bay

The bay was named by James Cook, when he first explored the area in 1769. Kupe, the first Māori that discovered New Zealand, is believed to have made his initial landfall at Taipa, Doubtless Bay.

Photo provided by doubtlessbay.co.nz

It is one of the oldest parts of New Zealand. In the past, the area was a centre of kauri gum extraction and had a whaling station in 19th century. Now it is considered to be a perfect holiday destination for locals and is undoubtedly a must-see place for tourists.

Taipa Bridge View

Panoramic view of the Doubtless Bay, above the Taipa Bridge

Tracks and Walks

 

Short & Easy walks

  • KariKari Bay walk, which is 400 metres one way and takes you to a quick walk to a long, white sandy beach along the magnificent KariKari Peninsula.
  • ‘Coca Cola’ Lake, also called Roto Po. The locals consider the waters to have healing properties and come here in the summertime to bathe. There is an easy walk along the shoreline of the lake which can be found at the end of the Ramp Road, near to the settlement.
  • Lake Ohia Gumholes Reserve Walk. A very short 10-minute walk will take you through manuka scrub along a series of excavated gum holes. This is a historical outing, great for families. It has picnic areas and shady areas. 

Longer Walks

  • Mangonui Heritage Trail is a nice energetic walk around Mangonui, following historical markers. Just 30 minutes long, it will take you through the residential streets of the town, including historic homes.
  • Rangikapiti Pa walk. Enjoy the panoramic views over Mangonui Harbour and the whole of Doubtless Bay. Rangikapiti Pa is the major historic feature of the reserve it is located in and is of a great significance for the local iwi Ngati Kahu.
  • Walk along the shore from Cable Bay to Taipa or vice versa. It is possible to walk around the rocks at low tide. It is approximately 1-hour walk and extreme care must be taken to watch the tides and cross the river with care. Enjoy one of the best beaches/bays in the country, as you walk!
  • Coopers Beach walk. Best walked at low tides, this beach walk will take 40 minutes one-side. Find seashells as you walk and enjoy the views of impressive holiday houses located along the beach.
  • Taumararumaru D.O.C. Reserve in Coopers Beach. Just 40 minutes long, this walk features great views and access to a small cute beach.
  • Duke’s Nose is a 45 minutes one-way track, that takes you to spectacular views of Whangaroa Harbour and native coastal forests below.
  • St Paul’s Rock, Whangaroa. This 500m track is a 30-minute walk one-way. This track climbs up to St Paul’s Rock and takes you to spectacular views of the Whangaroa harbor.

Very Long Walks

  • Lake Ngatu at Waipapakauri is a 4 km loop flat easy walk around the lake Ngatu. It is located in the recreation reserve, so you are sure to see many native birds as you walk.
  • Wairakau Stream Track (Lane Cove walk) is a 5.6 km one-way walk, that suits more experienced trampers. Enjoy the stunning views of the Whangaroa harbor, walk to the Lane Cove hut and stay for the night.
mangonui Famous Fish shop

Markets

  • Mangonui Tuesday Night Market. Runs every Tuesday 5.30-8pm and is located next to the Mangonui hotel. Visit it to get some locally made produce and crafts.
  • Mangonui Craft Market that is held on Saturdays, 9am – 1.30pm. Held in the local Mangonui Hall (132 Waterfront Drive, Mangonui) every Saturday with the local crafts and produce items available: Local olive oil, Kauri products, Paua and shell products, Jewellery, Knitting, Aprons, oven mitts, cushions, childrens hats, etc., Handmade cards, Local produce, homemade jams and pickles, baking, Gel Candles, Photos on canvas.

Culture, Art, Shopping

Things not to miss

  • Explore all the beaches in the area and discover their unique beauty. Walk along the calm Taipa beach or enjoy the bush and rocky walks in Coopers Beach. Have an ice-cream at Cable Bay Beach. Go for a swim at Hihi beach. Watch whales and dolphins at the bays, Orcas are often guests at Taipa’s estuary – the Oruru River. Spend hours playing in the water, gathering shellfish on Tokerau beach, fishing from beach or rocks from any of the beaches! You are sure to catch a kahawai or snapper during incoming tides.
  • Mangonui Famous fish shop. Eat locally caught fish landed at Mangonui Wharf by local fisherman while the ocean waves roll under your feet.
  • Try local wine! Visit New Zealand’s northernmost vineyard and winery – the Karikari Estate, and try distinctive wines: chardonnay, Pinotage, Merlot, Syrah, and Tannat.
    Carrington Estate Winery is another place for wine tastings, accommodation and luxury holiday
  • Watch the stars at night! The area is far away from the big cities and thus the stars at night are very bright! See the milky way – the galaxy we are located in, just above your head at night!
  • Catch mussels at Taipa beach during low tide! Walk till the end of the beach on the left and on the rocks during low tide you will find mussels that are easy to pick. Boil them in freshwater and enjoy! 🙂 
  • Play with dolphins that often visit the Rangiputa beach. They are extremely friendly and love chasing boats!

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