Doubtless bay
Doubtless bay
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4.5
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Niec
Brisbane, Australia2,714 contributions
This area which is about 1 hour or so (87km) north of Paihia was a real surprise. The original drive north of Kerikeri seemed not so nice but soon picked up with forests along the hills. Arriving in Mangonui, it's main town, we browsed through a few arts and crafts shops and looked at the heritage buildings and finally settled down for a fish and chip lunch at the "Famous Fish and Chip Shop" which is set out over the water. These were undoubtedly the best fish and chips I had tasted in some time and as it drizzled rain we huddled under the overhead umbrella with the meal spread between us and watched the the water between the floor boards below slapping around the pylons.
After lunch the rain eased, the sun came out and we headed up along the bay. This is a very picturesque area and nice beaches around Coopers Beach, Cable Bay and Taipa. It was a long weekend and many people were around. Plenty of holiday homes
sitting on top of the cliffs in areas overlooking the bay....now this would be one place to spend a relaxing holiday.
After lunch the rain eased, the sun came out and we headed up along the bay. This is a very picturesque area and nice beaches around Coopers Beach, Cable Bay and Taipa. It was a long weekend and many people were around. Plenty of holiday homes
sitting on top of the cliffs in areas overlooking the bay....now this would be one place to spend a relaxing holiday.
Written 20 November 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Haastman
34 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
Doubtless Bay encompasses quite a large coastal area, from Mangonui, through to Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Taipa and then out along Karikari Peninsula.
Along Karikari Peninsula is the expansive Tokerau Beach, Matai Bay, Karikari Beach, and Rangiputa.
There is great fishing to be had either via a charter boat or surfcasting from some of the beaches. If you are into fishing I highly recommend calling into Reel Rods which is on Inland Road, the main road into Karikari Peninsula just opposite the turn off to Rangiputa and just before the Tokerau Beach settlement. This is a fantastic shop for all your fishing needs.
Coopers Beach has a small supermarket which is very handy for topping up supplies.
Gas stations are in Coopers Beach and Taipa.
As a fisherman and a photographer I love this area.
Along Karikari Peninsula is the expansive Tokerau Beach, Matai Bay, Karikari Beach, and Rangiputa.
There is great fishing to be had either via a charter boat or surfcasting from some of the beaches. If you are into fishing I highly recommend calling into Reel Rods which is on Inland Road, the main road into Karikari Peninsula just opposite the turn off to Rangiputa and just before the Tokerau Beach settlement. This is a fantastic shop for all your fishing needs.
Coopers Beach has a small supermarket which is very handy for topping up supplies.
Gas stations are in Coopers Beach and Taipa.
As a fisherman and a photographer I love this area.
Written 26 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicky m
Sydney, Australia1,088 contributions
Nov 2016
The KariKari peninsular takes about 4 - 4.5 hours to drive from Auckland without stopping. You might need to stop as the roads are so winding and take seem to take a long time.
Things to do in Kari Kari peninsular: Swim in Maitai Bay, freedom camp in Doubtless Bay, do a wine tasting at KariKari estate - while watching the sunset over the entire north land, swim in the coca cola lake
The most incredible beaches to go freedom camping on and an amazing place to experience a local vibe. This was one of our favorite destinations on our entire trip of the North Island.
Freedom camping can basically be done anyway if you are fully self contained (shower & toilet on board).
Things to do in Kari Kari peninsular: Swim in Maitai Bay, freedom camp in Doubtless Bay, do a wine tasting at KariKari estate - while watching the sunset over the entire north land, swim in the coca cola lake
The most incredible beaches to go freedom camping on and an amazing place to experience a local vibe. This was one of our favorite destinations on our entire trip of the North Island.
Freedom camping can basically be done anyway if you are fully self contained (shower & toilet on board).
Written 7 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
105rachel2015
Auckland Central, New Zealand47 contributions
Jan 2016
We did a Northland 'roadie' at the height of our summer; first week of January. We started at Paihia then continued up to Cable Bay at the bottom of Doubtless Bay. We booked into the Driftwood Lodge right on the beautiful beach of Cable Bay. We thought how could we possibly go wrong with such an amazing location, right on the beach!
The owner lives in this large messy house which has rooms to let in the house plus a 'cottage' behind, which is what we were accommodated in; right next to the main road.
The little run down unit could not be described as a cottage; it was rough. And on closer inspection was dirty- this was such a disappointment at $250 p/night. We complained to the owner who seemed dishevelled and disorganised and we went for a drive to get some takeaways whilst she cleaned the place.
The unit felt grotty and I wasn't happy staying there. It was a rip off and this women should not be in business asking top dollar from tourists at the peak season when her accommodation just isn't up to a reasonable standard. Not good enough and I wouldn't recommend staying there. Such a shame as it is in the most idyllic location; literally right on the beach..
The owner lives in this large messy house which has rooms to let in the house plus a 'cottage' behind, which is what we were accommodated in; right next to the main road.
The little run down unit could not be described as a cottage; it was rough. And on closer inspection was dirty- this was such a disappointment at $250 p/night. We complained to the owner who seemed dishevelled and disorganised and we went for a drive to get some takeaways whilst she cleaned the place.
The unit felt grotty and I wasn't happy staying there. It was a rip off and this women should not be in business asking top dollar from tourists at the peak season when her accommodation just isn't up to a reasonable standard. Not good enough and I wouldn't recommend staying there. Such a shame as it is in the most idyllic location; literally right on the beach..
Written 3 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiwiseley
Auckland Central, New Zealand445 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
We stayed at picturesque Mill Bay just north of Mangonui. Lovely spot with a boat ramp for those so inclined. Coopers Beach and Cable Bay also have great sea views. Our second stay was at Perehipe Beach on the Karikari peninsular (another lovely view)
The skeletons of many Snapper was evidence that the fishing is very good
The skeletons of many Snapper was evidence that the fishing is very good
Written 15 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry G
Vancouver, Canada22 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
Not to be confused with the town of Kerikeri, this peninsula at the north end of Doubtless Bay is paradise. From the white sand beach at Rangiputa to fabulous views from the volcanic cone of Mt. Puheke (wear decent shoes for the climb) and seemingly endless Tokerau Beach. Bring a picnic lunch with you as there's nowhere to eat...just you and Mother Nature.
Written 22 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg B
Boronia, Australia1,313 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Sadly, the day we decided to drive from Kerikeri to and around the Doubtless Bay area, the weather wasn't very kind to us. Not that it stopped us from enjoying the lovely drive. It's an easy trip and fortunately the roads were quiet.
From Kerikeri you drive through Waipapa all the way until you see the sign to Paewhenua Island which effectively kicks off a foray into the Karikari Peninsula. Rather than stopping on the way up, we drove all the way to Waipapa Bay via the Matai Bay Road. Follow the track to its end and there's beautiful beaches to indulge in, and for the heck of it, you can stop in the tiny town with its breathtaking views and check out the cost of housing in the area.
On our return we stopped for some lunch at Taipa Bay which is lovely, before making our way to Mangonui. Sadly the weather really hit and we headed home. Only to return the next day for the annual Mangonui street party which was an absolute blast.
From Kerikeri you drive through Waipapa all the way until you see the sign to Paewhenua Island which effectively kicks off a foray into the Karikari Peninsula. Rather than stopping on the way up, we drove all the way to Waipapa Bay via the Matai Bay Road. Follow the track to its end and there's beautiful beaches to indulge in, and for the heck of it, you can stop in the tiny town with its breathtaking views and check out the cost of housing in the area.
On our return we stopped for some lunch at Taipa Bay which is lovely, before making our way to Mangonui. Sadly the weather really hit and we headed home. Only to return the next day for the annual Mangonui street party which was an absolute blast.
Written 28 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MattysShenanigans
New Zealand4 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Went to Matai Bay (a must do) then visited this incredible spot. Great views and place to relax. It is so big that you will have no trouble finding your own private spot to take it all in.
Written 21 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen W
Brisbane Region, Australia2,182 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Doubtless Bay has a beautiful coastline of 70 klms. This is such a pretty remote part of New-Zealand. There is so much to see and do, picturesque harbors, golf courses, surfing, swimming, fishing, winery's, museums. Lots of varying accommodation. Many beaches to see and explore and many great little cafes and eateries a must see has many beautiful beaches and bays. So remote and heaps to do, diving, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, boat charters, diving, winery's, make sure you see Whatuwhiwhi, Puheke Beach, Rangiputa Beach, Coopers Beach you will have a little portion of your travel on unsealed roads to these beaches but well worth it.
Written 18 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick100222
Auckland, New Zealand6 contributions
Sept 2014 • Family
Excellent remote area. Very scenic and picturesque. Panoramic views of coastline and countryside.
Beaches are unspoilt and deserted at this time of year making for very enjoyable walks. Thoroughly recommend taking the time to explore the region. Make sure you take the time to stop at Coopers Beach. Plentiful accomodation in the surrounding area.
Beaches are unspoilt and deserted at this time of year making for very enjoyable walks. Thoroughly recommend taking the time to explore the region. Make sure you take the time to stop at Coopers Beach. Plentiful accomodation in the surrounding area.
Written 6 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth G
Manly, Australia
What is the best way to travel from Sydney to Reia Taipa Beach without hiring a car
Written 23 May 2017
Hi Elizabeth, sorry only just seen this notification now - my apologies, not sure of "Reia" are you able to tell me where this is?
However to travel to Taipa Beach would image the only way would be to hire a car.
However in saying that there maybe some chartered bus tours that include Taipa Beach on there itinerary.
Written 27 May 2017
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