Adventure Seekers! Come to Doubtless Bay!

Headlands and Hidden Harbours is a Northland Journey that trails from Kerikeri to Karikari offering up hidden treasures, beautiful beaches and rocky outcrops, small coastal settlements and heritage towns. You could spend a lifetime exploring this beautiful coastline and always be kept guessing about what’s around the next corner. Here's five reasons why this is the perfect journey for those seeking adventure:

The secret spaces at Rainbow Falls

Just an easy ten-minute stroll from the carpark, these stunning 27m falls will have you in awe. There are a couple of platforms that will give you a good view from above, but the thing that is so epic about these falls, is that you can walk right around behind them. Just be really careful when doing so, as the rocks can be extremely slippery.

The Rainbow Warrior Wreck and Memorial   

A signposted walking track inside the camping grounds leads up Pukepika headland, the site of sculptor Chris Booth’s Rainbow Warrior Memorial, overlooking the site of the sunken vessel. It's a beautiful and special place. If you’d like to get an even closer look at this vessel, the Rainbow Warrior is also one of the world’s premier wreck dive spots. Local dive experts can take you on a guided excursion to the wreck as well as hook you up with all the gear you need.

 The rock formations of the Whangaroa Harbour

The hikes at Whangaroa are a must do activity for any adventure seeker visiting the area. Amazing volcanic rock formation Kaiaraara Rocks (Dukes Nose) is a local fave and it’s easy to understand why. The views of the turquoise waters below from the peak of this hike have to be some of the best in the country. This 5-6 hour return walk is not for the faint hearted but you will be glad you made the effort when you are rewarded with breath-taking scenery.

The plentiful activities at Doubtless Bay

Locals say there are 20 beaches within 20 minutes from Mangōnui, this is reason enough to add this quaint seaside town to your list of road trip stops but it’s not the only reason you’ll want to spend time in beautiful Doubtless Bay. Boutique shopping, visiting local pā sites, heritage buildings, and over the water buildings and of course a feed of famous fish and chips are just some of the activities that will keep you busy while spending time at this much-loved holiday spot.

The remote Karikari peninsula beaches

Located on the Karikari Peninsula and at the mouth of the hidden harbour, Rangaunu, Rangiputa has Incredible white sands make for tropical looking waters. Head to nearby Puwheke hill to get up high and enjoy the views or try your hand at one of the popular local activities, kitesurfing. 

Posted by Rosemary Archibald on March 23, 2022