Chill Out in Doubtless Bay
However you choose to chill out, these are our suggestions:
Find much more information throughout our website.
1. Chill Out - on your terms!
Introduction
Doubtless Bay in the far north of New Zealand has a sub-tropical climate. Average winter temperature is 16 ºC, thus known as the ‘winterless’ far north. There are ‘no traffic lights, no shoes, no stress!’ A perfect place to chill out.
There are many beautiful, easily accessible and unspoilt beaches. Choose from white to pink sand and laze under the shade of the Pohutukawa trees. It is also easy to launch a dinghy or kayak from the beach.
You may wish to stay at some ‘child-free’ or ‘pet-free’ places or simply at a bach.
day 1
Morning:
Take a walk on Coopers Beach, starting from end of Kotare Road to the Taumarumaru Reserve. Enjoy the views of Doubtless Bay. From the headlands of this reserve, you can capture beautiful snap shots of Coopers Beach with the waves rolling onto the beach lined with Pohutukawa trees. This is indeed spectacular scenery, especially when the Pohutukawas are in bloom (December to March).
Afternoon:
Head to quaint Mangonui Village and have lunch
at one of the cafes. If you are lucky, you may see orcas or dolphins swimming
in the harbour!
Wander the shops in Mangonui, and don't miss
those around the bluff at the South end of the village.
The art and craft shops in Mangonui are:
- Wharf Store
- Flax Bush
- Laurel's Soaps and Gifts
- Bead Studio
Evening:
Sit and chill out at the local pub, enjoy the harbour view and watch the world go by or choose from:
- The 'World Famous' Mangonui Fish Shop
- Harbourside Takeaways
- Fresh & Tasty
day 2
Morning:
Take a leisure drive to Karikari Peninsula (30minutes from Mangonui), check out the beautiful beaches of Matai Bay and Karikari Beach. Select a walk from the lists of walks on the board at Matai Bay.
Have lunch at the award-winning vineyard and winery Karikari Estate.
Afternoon:
Head back to Mangonui and enjoy the rest of the afternoon in a relaxed fashion.
Pamper yourself and have a massage from:
- Doubtless Beauty
- The Essentials
Evening Dinner:
Indulge in fine cuisine at one of the local restaurants in Mangonui:
- Acorn Bar & Bistro
- Thai Chef's Restaurant
- Waterfront Cafe
day 3
Pack a picnic and head to Butler Point historic house, whaling museum and gardens in Hihi. Captain Butler's House was built in the 1840s and has been authentically restored. The whaling museum has been established based on the history of the whaling trade. It is sited in an extensive garden where you can find a pohutukawa tree which is over 700 years old!
Stop at Hihi Olive Estate and sample the beautiful olives and oil.
Complete your day by having dinner at one of the restaurants in Mangonui.
2. No Frills Chill Out
Introduction
Doubtless Bay in the far north of New Zealand has a sub-tropical climate. Average winter temperature is 16 ºC, thus known as the ‘winterless’ far north. There are ‘no traffic lights, no shoes, no stress!’ No Mega shops to empty your wallet!
There are many beautiful, easily accessible and unspoilt beaches. Choose from white to pink sand and laze under the shade of the pohutukawa trees. It is also easy to launch a dinghy or kayak from the beach. You may wish to stay at a beach bach or cottage or just pitch a tent at a camping ground or at a Department of Conservation camp site.
day 1
Morning:
Take a walk on Coopers Beach, starting from end of Kotare Road to the Taumarumaru Reserve. Enjoy the views of Doubtless Bay. From the headlands of this reserve, you can capture beautiful snap shots of Coopers Beach with the waves rolling onto the beach, lined with Pohutukawa trees. This is indeed spectacular scenery when the Pohutukawas are in bloom (December to March).
Pack your lunch and have a picnic on the beach. Have a swim and laze under the shade of the beautiful pohutukawa trees.
Afternoon:
Head to the quaint Mangonui Village and have tea or coffee at one of the cafes. If you are lucky, you may see orcas or dolphins swimming in the harbour!
Try fishing from the wharf in Mangonui or off the rocks at the harbour entrance.
Evening:
Sit and chill out at the local pub, enjoy the harbour view and watch the world go by or choose from:
- The 'World Famous' Mangonui Fish Shop
- Harbourside Takeaways
- Fresh 'n' Tasty
day 2
Morning and afternoon:
Pack a picnic and head to Butler Point historic house, whaling museum and gardens in Hihi. Captain Butler's House was built in the 1840s and has been authentically restored. The whaling museum has been established based on the history of the whaling trade. It is sited in an extensive garden where you can find a pohutukawa tree which is over 700 years old!
Collect shell fish off the beach or fish off the rocks on the beach. (failing that, choose from several fresh fish shops!)
Evening:
Dinner at a local restaurant or cook up a BBQ from your day's catch!
day 3
Pack a picnic and head to Butler Point historic house, whaling museum and gardens in Hihi. Captain Butler's House was built in the 1840s and has been authentically restored. The whaling museum has been established based on the history of the whaling trade. It is sited in an extensive garden where you can find a pohutukawa tree which is over 700 years old!
Stop at Hihi Olive Estate and sample the beautiful olives and oil.
Complete your day by having dinner at one of the restaurants in Mangonui or a home cooked meal.
3. Sheer Bliss Luxurious Chill Out
Introduction
Doubtless Bay in the far north of New Zealand has a sub-tropical climate. Average winter temperature is 16 ºC, thus known as the ‘winterless’ far north. There are ‘no traffic lights, no shoes, no stress!’
There are many beautiful, easily accessible and unspoilt beaches. Choose from white to pink sand and laze under the shade of the pohutukawa trees. It is also easy to launch a dinghy or kayak from the beach.
Enjoy luxurious accommodation with 4 or 5 star Qualmark rating.
day 1
Morning:
Take a walk on Coopers Beach, starting from end of Kotare Road to the Taumarumaru Reserve. Enjoy the views of Doubtless Bay. From the headlands of this reserve, you can capture beautiful snap shots of Coopers Beach with the waves rolling onto the beach lined with Pohutukawa trees. This is indeed spectacular scenery when the Pohutukawas are in bloom (December to March).
Afternoon:
Head to the quaint Mangonui Village and have lunch
at one of the cafes. If you are lucky, you may see orcas or dolphins swimming
in the harbour!
Wander the shops in Mangonui, and don't miss those around the bluff at
the South end of the village.
The art and craft shops in Mangonui are:
- Wharf Store
- Flax Bush
- Laurel's Soaps and Gifts
- Bead Studio
Evening:
Indulge in fine cuisine at the local restaurant in Mangonui:
- Acorn Bar & Bistro
- Thai Chef's Restaurant
- Waterfront Cafe
day 2
Morning:
Take a leisure drive to Karikari Peninsula (30minutes from Mangonui), check out the beautiful beaches of Matai Bay, Rangiputa and Karikari Beach. Select a walk from the lists of walks on the board at Matai Bay.
If you are a keen golfer, have a game at the beautiful Carrington Resort.
Have lunch at the award-winning vineyard and winery Karikari Estate.
Afternoon:
Head back to Mangonui and enjoy the rest of the afternoon in a relaxed fashion.
Pamper yourself and have a massage from:
- Doubtless Beauty
- The Essentials
Evening Dinner
Dine either in Taipa at the Taipa Bay Resort or in Mangonui.
day 3
Arrange for a picnic lunch with a local restaurant or 'The Bakerman' and head to Butler Point historic house, whaling museum and gardens in Hihi. Captain Butler's House was built in the 1840s and has been authentically restored. The whaling museum has been established based on the history of the whaling trade. It is sited in an extensive garden where you can find a pohutukawa tree which is over 700 years old!
Stop at Hihi Olive Estate and sample the beautiful olives and oil.
Complete your day by having dinner at one of the restaurants in Mangonui.
alternative day 3
Charter a cruise out in beautiful Doubtless Bay. Spend a day chilling out and being pampered at sea. The gentle lapping of the waves, feel the 'ionic charge' out in the open sea - very soothing to the body and mind. A very nice choice for chilling out at sea.
