Doubtless Bay

Doubtless Bay, Northland New Zealand. Beaches of luxurious caramel and white sands invite you to swim, snorkel, fish and sail.

In 1769 Captain James Cook looked in on this expanse of water and declared it was "doubtless a bay". He then continued his circumnavigation of New Zealand. Within days another explorer, Jean-François-Marie de Surville, anchored on the western side of the bay for a number of weeks. He named the bay 'La Baie de Lauriston', in honour of Lauriston, Governor of French India.

Captain Cook's rather haphazard naming of the bay stuck. Today, Doubtless Bay is without doubt a magnificent place for a holiday. Beach after beach of luxurious caramel and white sands invite you to swim, snorkel, fish and sail.

There are several small settlements within the bay, stretching in a horseshoe from Coopers Beach at the south end to Whatuwhiwhi in the north. You can also drive over the Karikari Peninsula to Maitai Bay and Rangiputa. Mangonui is the main town for this area - it has some wonderful historic buildings that you can discover by walking the heritage trail.

Consider these activities whilst here:

• Explore the quaint fishing village of Mangonui - famous for its fish and chips

• For excellent fishing, diving and swimming, discover Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Taipa, Tokerau Beach, Whatuwhiwhi and many others

• Enjoy a round of golf and a winery visit at Whatuwhiwhi