About the Karikari Peninsula

Situated on the Western side of Doubtless Bay in the Far North of New Zealand is the Karikari Peninsula. A long narrow piece of land reaching out into the Pacific Ocean full of beautiful beaches and bays. The elevated land in and around Whatuwhiwhi offer spectacular views, on the one side out over Doubtless Bay to Mangonui and on the other, views over Karikari and Rangaunu Bays to Houhora Heads.

The Peninsula is an approximate 4 hour drive from central Auckland heading north on State Highway (SH) 1 following the signs to Whangarei. Stay on SH1 for approx 2.5 hours from AKLD where you turn right to SH10 just short of Pakaraka and head towards Kerikeri and Doubtless Bay. Six kilometers past Taipa turn right to the Karikari Peninsula on Inland Road. From Kaitaia and the North the turn off is a twenty minute drive from Awanui on State Highway 10.

Less than a kilometre from State Highway 10 on Inland Road turn left and visit Lake Ohia, now a lake bed drained by the early gum diggers. A few metres up the road on the right you can view gum holes.

Whatuwhiwhi: (fot-ö-fê-fê) The major settlement on the Peninsula is serviced by a shop, service station, liquor wholesale, takeaway and the Whatuwhiwhi Holiday Park. Many of the homes have extensive views over Doubtless Bay or to the North Cape. A new subdivision development offers some great real estate opportunities.

Tokerau Beach: The longest beach on the Peninsula stretches some 18 kilometres around the bay from Whatuwhiwhi to Aurere. Tokerau is a small beach settlement with a camping ground.

Matai Bay: Two beautiful sheltered bays. Popular with fishermen & holiday makers, and an excellent place for a day picnic. Has a large D.O.C. camp.

Karikari Bay: A long sweeping beach with brilliant white sands, a great fishing spot. A camping ground is situated here.

Puheke Beach: Who needs to travel offshore when we have this unspoilt gem at our backdoor. A superb view is obtained from a short walk up Mt Puheke, (a landmark on the peninsula)

Rangiputa: A small picturesque settlement which looks onto the Rangaunu Harbour with its white sands and clear blue waters. A fishermans haven serviced by two excellent motels and a shop.

Also check out this Interactive Map of Doubtless Bay made by DiveSpots.co.nz.