Doubtless Bay Tours and Activities

Cable Bay featuring tranquil scenes, a bay or harbour and boating
Doubtless Bay
Doubtless Bay
Doubtless Bay
Doubtless Bay


Try some watersports in this idyllic bay in New Zealand’s remote Northland, a perfect stop over on your way to the famous lighthouse on Cape Rēinga.

Doubtless Bay is one big watersports playground. Go fishing, kayaking, sailing, diving, stand-up paddleboarding or swimming and then relax on the beach or in a seafood café.

Stretching north from Coopers Beach to Whatuwhiwhi, Doubtless Bay is horseshoe shaped and named so because Captain James Cook dryly observed in 1769 that it was “doubtless a bay.”

Start your explorations at Coopers Beach and Cable BayOpens in a new window, two popular vacation spots with excellent swimming beaches.

In nearby Taipa, visit the Taute Gallery & Tours for live carving, weaving and tamoko (tattooing) demonstrations and workshops by local Māori artists. Also try a mirimiri (healing massage), rongoa (natural therapy) and buy pottery or artistic prints for a souvenir.

Drive out onto the Karikari PeninsulaOpens in a new window to see the northern tip of Doubtless Bay. Stroll along Perehipe Beach and explore Matai Bay. Whatuwhiwhi is a vacation resort at the northern end of Tokerau Beach. These beaches are all excellent fishing spots due to the presence of paddle crabs and tua tua, which are nibbled on by snapper.

Of course, you can also just order your fish, with some chips. Find one of the country’s most praised seafood cafés in Mill Bay in Mangonui, a picture-perfect town at Doubtless Bay’s southern tip. Munch on deep-fried squid rings, green-lipped mussels or oysters while stingrays cruise by in the waters below. Don’t miss the wonderful art in the historic, kauri-wooden Mangonui Courthouse. Talented locals stock the gallery’s art shop with truly original creations. Stay the night in town for a chance to see penguins waddle ashore at dusk.

Mangonui once housed one of the largest whaling fleets in the South Pacific. At nearby Butler Point, explore the Whaling Museum housed in a 1840s homestead. Admire the kauri whaleboat and explore the garden with its macadamia nut tree orchard and pōhutukawa (Christmas) trees. Butler Point also has a former Māori hilltop fort, called a pā.

Doubtless Bay is about halfway along the coastal road from the Bay of IslandsOpens in a new window to the lighthouse on Cape RēingaOpens in a new window, making it the perfect place for a refreshing stop on your way north.

From fishing to discovering Māori culture, you doubtlessly will want to return after experiencing the lifestyle in idyllic Doubtless Bay.

Plan a trip to see Doubtless Bay

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Kerikeri Court Motel
Kauri Park Motel
Moon Gate Villa

Popular places to visit


Top Doubtless Bay Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Taipa Beach Resort

Taipa Beach Resort

4 out of 5
22 Taipa Point Road, Taipa
Taipa Beach Resort
Doubtless Bay Villas

Doubtless Bay Villas

4.5 out of 5
20 Dudley Cresent, Cable Bay
Doubtless Bay Villas
Golden Sand Beachfront Accommodation

Golden Sand Beachfront Accommodation

4.5 out of 5
327 State Highway 10, Cable Bay
Golden Sand Beachfront Accommodation
Whatuwhiwhi TOP 10 Holiday Park

Whatuwhiwhi TOP 10 Holiday Park

2 out of 5
17 Whatuwhiwhi Road, Karkari Peninsula
Whatuwhiwhi TOP 10 Holiday Park
Carrington Estate

Carrington Estate

4 out of 5
109 Matai Bay Road, Karkari Peninsula, Northland
Carrington Estate
Patia Point View - Stunning views!

Patia Point View - Stunning views!

Whatuwhiwhi
Patia Point View - Stunning views!
Entertainer’s Dream in Doubtless Bay

Entertainer’s Dream in Doubtless Bay

Karikari Peninsula
Entertainer’s Dream in Doubtless Bay
Panoramic views to Doubtless Bay

Panoramic views to Doubtless Bay

Cable Bay
Panoramic views to Doubtless Bay
Moanavista - Large Pool and Sea Views

Moanavista - Large Pool and Sea Views

Cable Bay
Moanavista - Large Pool and Sea Views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Doubtless Bay

Doubtless Bay offers a fantastic escape for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Enjoy scenic hiking trails, relax at campgrounds, and take a dip in the inviting waters. For those seeking adventure, there are easy boat trips and ample recreational opportunities to explore the stunning coastline and marine life. It's the perfect destination to unwind and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Northland.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, visit the Ancient Kauri Kingdom, located 20.9km from Doubtless Bay. This store offers stunning kauri wood products and souvenirs that reflect New Zealand's rich heritage. It's a must-visit for authentic gifts to take home.

Recreation

Carrington Golf Course, located 9.7km from Doubtless Bay, offers stunning coastal views and a challenging course for golf enthusiasts. Whangaroa Golf Club, 20.9km away, provides a relaxing atmosphere amidst lush landscapes. Kaitaia Golf Club, situated 35.4km from Doubtless Bay, features a friendly community vibe and beautiful greens.

Adventure

Embark on the Manginangina Kauri Walk, located 43.5km from Doubtless Bay. This scenic hiking trail offers a unique adventure through ancient kauri forests, immersing you in breathtaking natural beauty and the rich biodiversity of Northland.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife at the Mangonui Fish Shop for a casual atmosphere and scrumptious fish and chips. For a laid-back drink, visit the Boat Shed Café, where you can unwind with a local brew while enjoying stunning sunset views over the bay.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Doubtless Bay

Doubtless Bay offers a stunning backdrop for beach and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a scenic getaway. With its beautiful beaches and charming bays, including Cable Bay, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. Explore the diverse points of interest, from pristine beaches to national parks, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this captivating corner of Northland, New Zealand.

  • Coopers Beach: Located 9.7km from Doubtless Bay, Coopers Beach offers a serene coastal escape with soft golden sands and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach walks, it's a great spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
  • Butler Point Whaling Museum: Just 1.6km away from Doubtless Bay, this museum immerses you in the rich maritime history of the area. Featuring fascinating exhibits about whaling and local culture, visitors can explore artefacts and learn about the region's heritage.
  • Maitai Bay: Situated 11.3km from Doubtless Bay, Maitai Bay boasts breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities. With its pristine beach and crystal-clear waters, it’s ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying picturesque coastal walks.

Best time to go to Doubtless Bay

The best time to visit Doubtless Bay can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Doubtless Bay falls in February, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Doubtless Bay falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
February68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
March66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
June56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
September56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
October58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Doubtless Bay

To save money on your trip to Doubtless Bay, consider visiting in June, August, or November when accommodation prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance can secure better rates, and Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest days to stay. Check out Expedia for last-minute deals, budget filters, and package discounts on flights and activities. For free activities, explore the stunning beaches and scenic walks in the area. By being flexible and using online resources, you can enjoy Doubtless Bay without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Doubtless Bay are June, August and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Doubtless Bay about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Doubtless Bay is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Doubtless Bay is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, highlighting the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you have the ability to narrow down your choices by hotel category. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Doubtless Bay hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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