MANGONUI

Once a bustling whaling and trading port, the scenic historic village centre is home to some truly exquisite heritage buildings – today housing mainly shops and cafes. It remains a port of entry to New Zealand with commercial operators using it as a base.

There are several fine retail shops selling everything from local arts and crafts, gifts and quality New Zealand souvenirs to locally-produced food and wine. There are numerous waterfront cafes with alfresco dining, the historic hotels and courthouse plus the ‘world-famous’ fish shop. Additionally, there is the Doubtless Bay Information Centre, bookshop and stationers, general store with postal centre, garage/petrol station with marine services, several real estate agents, computer and internet facilities. High above the village waterfront is picturesque St. Andrew’s Church and the primary school.

From the Mangonui wharf you can see commercial fishing boats off-loading their catch and you can even try your hand at hooking fish from the docks. Standing on the wharf, it is evident that agriculture and fishing still remain the biggest occupational groups in the area.

Around the corner from Mangonui village is Mill Bay, an artist’s dream with its backdrop of the dominant Rangikapiti Pa, its yacht anchorage and other marine craft. A visit to Rangikapiti Pa will reward you with a panoramic view overlooking Mangonui Harbour on one side and the whole of Doubtless Bay on the other.

KARIKARI PENINSULA

A long narrow piece of land, lined with beautiful beaches and bays, reaches out into the Pacific Ocean.

Whatuwhiwhi is the major settlement with a dive centre, school, backpackers, information centre, cafe, takeaways and general store/petrol station. There is a lovely safe family beach, a holiday park and a selection of other accommodation. Nearby is the world-class Carrington Resort – a Heritage Hotel, golf course, luxury accommodation and Karikari Estate Vineyard and Winery.

Matai Bay is one of Northland’s pure gems consisting of two crescent-shaped coves looking out to the Pacific Ocean. There is a D.O.C camping ground popular with fishermen and holidaymakers with its safe bathing.

Rangiputa is a small picturesque settlement which looks on to the Rangaunu Harbour with its white sands and clear blue waters. There is a variety of accommodation available.

Tokerau Beach is the longest on the peninsula and stretches for 18km. It is a surf caster’s paradise and good for digging for shellfish.

Lake Ohia is situated just off State Highway 10 with vineyard and gum fields which are surviving remnants of the original Dalmatian gum diggers.

TAIPA

This pretty spot combines the open ocean and the shelter of the estuary. You can launch a boat, swim, fish, surf or sail. There is often good surf and this is an excellent location to spot dolphins and orcas. There are various shops, bakery, garage and petrol station, area school and early childhood centres, a major resort hotel and a variety of other accommodation. Nearby is the Swamp Palace cinema and two potteries.

CABLE BAY

This pretty pink-coral beach with rockpools, small lagoon, childrens’ playground, general store and a variety of accommodation, was the landing point for the first underwater telegraph cable (the red route) linking New Zealand with Australia, Canada and Norfolk Island. The telegraph station operated from 1902 to 1912. There is often good surf between the rocky areas.

COOPERS BEACH

The 2.5km long beach offers safe swimming and is fringed with Pohutukawa (the New Zealand ‘Christmas’ tree) which offer good shade. Adjacent is the shopping centre with hairdresser, general store, butcher, pharmacy, medical centre, restaurants, childrens’ playground and the bowling club. The Taumarumaru Reserve includes three historic defended pa sites. There is a wide range of accommodation available.

HIHI

Breathtaking at sunset, on a peninsula that wraps around Mangonui Harbour, Hihi has both a sheltered and open ocean side. Here you will find Butler House and Butler Point Whaling Museum, a holiday park and other accommodation.

TAUPO BAY

This beautiful idyllic beach has white sand and crystal-clear waters and is one of Doubtless Bay’s most popular surf spots. There is a good holiday park with a small shop.