Far North Attractions

Mangonui is the true gateway to the Far North. Easily accessible are the surrounding beaches of Doubtless Bay and the Karikari Peninsula, the picturesque Whangaroa Harbour, Ahipara, 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga.

Our tour desk can organise your water activities, Cape Reinga Tours and make suggestions on the best ways to enjoy your holiday. Nestled in glorious Doubtless Bay are the best beaches in New Zealand, all close and all magnificent. See below for more suggestions on local activities and attractions.

Mangonui & Mill Bay

fishing-mangonui-harbourThe charming historic village of Mangonui sits on the waters edge of the Mangonui Harbour.  It is home to many attractive heritage buildings and still operates as a port of entry to New Zealand and a commercial fishing base. Mangonui is located in the centre of Doubtless Bay in the Far North of New Zealand.

There’s plenty to offer in terms of arts & crafts shops and cafes. In recent years Mangonui has become renowned as the home of ‘world-famous’ fish shop and restaurant – The Mangonui Fish Shop. You will also find all the local amenities you need including the Doubtless Bay Information Centre, bookshop, general store with Post Centre and Kiwibank, auto and marine service centre and several real estate agents.

From the Mangonui wharf you can see commercial fishing boats off-loading their catch. Line fishing is popular from the docks so bring your own rod and enjoy fresh fish cooked on our BBQs for dinner.

A pleasant and easy walk from Mangonui village is Mill Bay, with an attractive backdrop of the dominant Rangikapiti Pa and yachts anchored in the harbour in front of it. 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.

Doubtless Bay

doubtless-bay-beach
Picturesque Doubtless Bay stretches from Taupo Bay in the south to the Karikari Peninsula in the North. The most popular beaches in the area include Taupo Bay, Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Hihi, Rangiputa Beach, Matai Bay and Whatuwhiwhi. Historic Mangonui, location of Acacia Lodge Motel’s waterfront accommodation,  is in the centre of Doubtless Bay and well-positioned for visiting all the local attractions on offer.

With over 70 kilometres of unspoiled coastline and an abundance of safe and uncrowded beaches Doubtless Bay is the ultimate New Zealand holiday destination. Stunning and varied scenery, close proximity to 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere make this area of Northland popular with Kiwis and overseas visitors alike. With Kaitaia only 20 minutes drive away, Doubtless Bay offers a great alternative to staying in a town during your visit to the Far North.

Other than the beaches and great food, a few local attractions you can enjoy whilst in Doubtless Bay include:

Golf – 3 clubs within easy driving distance of Mangonui are Carrington Golf Course, Kaitaia Golf Club (in Ahipara), Whangaroa Golf Club (20 mins drive east of Mangonui) and Kauri Cliffs Golf Course (40 mins east of Mangonui)

Museums – Matthew’s Vintage Collection (Car Museum), Butler Point Whaling Museum, Far North Regional Museum (Kaitaia)

Fishing, cruising, sailing and diving – several experienced companies operated charters in and around Doubtless Bay. We are happy to book excursions for you or provide you with more information during your stay.

Arts & crafts – Doubtless Bay is a popular area for artists, carvers and sculptors. You can see local art on display in the galleries in Mangonui village or visit the artists studios around the area during your stay.

Walkways – there are several picturesque walks on offer in the Doubtless Bay area including the Mangonui Heritage Trail, Matai Bay to Whangatupere Bay (Karikari Peninsula), Rangikapiti Pa (Mill Bay), Taumararumaru D.O.C. Reserve (Coopers Beach)

Wineries – Butterfish Bay Vineyard, Karikari Estate Winery (Karikari Peninsula), Okahu Estate Winery (Kaitaia), Marsden Estate/Ake Ake/Cottle Hill (Kerikeri – 45 mins drive from Mangonui)

Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach

Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach are a popular day trip from Mangonui. There are bus tours available from Doubtless Bay or you can drive 25 minutes to Kaitaia and pick up a tour there. Alternatively drive yourself and enjoy all the sights and beaches along the way at your leisure.

Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Tour Special Offer

Stay at Acacia Lodge Motel and book a Cape Reinga & 90 Mile beach Tour. Full day tour with lunch included on the fabulous Petricevich Dune Rider Kaitaia. Pick up and drop of from the motel.

Request this special tour offer when you book your accommodation or check in at Acacia Lodge Motel.

Cape Reinga

New Zealand’s northernmost point, this rugged cape and its historic lighthouse enjoy dramatic seaviews over the place where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean converge. Cape Reinga is also a place of great spiritual significance to New Zealand Maori

Ninety Mile Beach

This magnificent driveable 100km (64 mile) stretch of wild ocean beach is backed by sandy dunes and scrub land, and offers superb surfcasting. Bus tours drive along the foreshore en route to Cape Reinga.

Te Paki Sand Dunes

90 Mile Beach is famous for it’s sand dunes and none are more famous than those at Te Paki. Taking a tour is the best way to enjoy surfing the dunes or you can usually hire a board in Pukenui on your way up North.

 

 

 

Ahipara

Ahipara is at the southern end of 90 Mile Beach and can be reached by road west of Kaitaia. Ahipara is an excellent day trip from Mangonui (less than 1 hour’s drive) – enjoy some of the adventure activities whilst you are there, including quad-bike riding, horse riding or blo-karts.

Ka-Uri – Awanui

Stop off at Ka-Uri enroute to Cape Reinga for a snack and some native kauri products & crafts.

Pukenui/Houhora Harbour

Another stop-off point enroute to Cape Reinga. You can pick up food and water here if you don’t have enough with you, and enjoy the picturesque views of the Houhora Harbour at the same time.