Driftwood Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore Doubtless Bay and the Far North. A trip to 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga is a must on many holiday makers agendas. Embark on an adventure at your own pace, or allow us to arrange an tour.There is a vast array of activities and attractions; swim with dolphins, river tours in the mangroves, local indigenous arts and crafts, horseback trekking, restaurants, cafes and historic villages. 4 wheel drive vehicles, quad bike tours and eco blow carts are also available. The winter-less north has it all.
FISHING
Doubtless Bay is renowned for fishing and surf casting. Hook a Snapper off the rocks directly in front of the lodge. Our dinghy and kayaks will allow you to move into deeper water or to reach that special fishing spot. There is ample parking for your boat. Alternatively charter from the many experienced local boat operators and enjoy the opportunity of big game fishing to catch marlin, tuna, or shark. Shellfish are plentiful with a myriad of Tuatuas and Mussels that can be garnered by the more adventurous snorkeller.
www.whangaroa.com
Lady Di Fishing Charters Mangonui
DIVING
Diving in Doubtless Bay is superb. The local skippers know the top secret spots and can take you to them. Scallops, crayfish and a plethora of seafood awaits.
Northland diving is renowned: The Poor Knights out from Tutukaka near Whangarei are world class, as are the Bay of Islands with Cape Brett, Piercy Island (Hole in the Rock) and The Dog. In addition experience the Rainbow Warrior near Matauri Bay and the Karikari peninsular.
Mangonui is the home port for several charter boats which make the trip to the Three Kings Islands north of Cape Reinga.
www.atozdiving.co.nz
Alternatively, learn to Dive at Cruise the Blue around the corner at Coopers beach.
Cruise the Blue
KAYAKS
Our sit-on-top kayaks are a great way to be at one with the water, pack a picnic and journey to one of the adjacent secluded bays. Alternatively, when the surfs up, take up the challenge of some white water. As with all watersports, safety is a prime consideration and we have the necessary lifejackets and other safety equipment.If your last kayak experience was akin to climbing into a coffin and thoughts of 'Eskimo' rolls... then you need to experience the stability and sense of security inherent with sit-on kayaks.
DAY-TRIP 1
NINETY MILE BEACH AND CAPE REINGA
Tours depart daily from Doubtless Bay. See us for your bookings. This most northerly departure assures you of a relaxed day with more time to spend at the many points of interest. (Note: a lot of visitors do the trip from The Bay of Islands... an additional 3 hours and a long day.) Stay at Driftwood Lodge and make it an event, not a marathon. The tour includes a drive along Ninety Mile Beach and the Te Paki quicksand stream, a visit to the Cape Reinga lighthouse and the often turbulent confluence of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, all narrated with knowledgeable commentary from your local driver. Collect Tuatuas for your dinner, swim at Tapotupotu Bay, an inspirational picnic spot near the pinnacle of Aotearoa. Feeling energetic, then grab a toboggan and surf the enormous sand dunes at Te Paki Stream.
Viator Tours
DAY-TRIP 2
NOCTURNAL PARK AND GLOW WORM GROTTO
Venture 24 km inland from Taipa through the scenic valleys of the hinterland. A unique display of glow worms is offered both night and day from the easily accessible boardwalk. A nocturnal house, open during the day, allows you to see NZ's most iconic native bird: the kiwi. The parks hours are; December to the end of March 9.00 a.m.to 10.00 p.m. From April to November they open at 9.00 a.m. During this time there is only one night tour which starts on dark, and the park closes after this tour. In June and July there is no night tour and the park closes at 5.00 p.m. The best time to visit is in late afternoon and early evening. Barbecue facilities are available and evening tours are guided.Millennium Nocturnal Park
DAY-TRIP 3
BUTLER POINT
Access is from the inner Hihi Harbour Road, you may enter the magnificent Butler Point property (which is opposite the Mangonui wharf). On the property are the carefully restored Butler House, lived in since 1847, a notable Maori Pa, and whaling museum of Mangonui's early colonial history. It also offers a large grove of some of the oldest pohutukawa trees in Northland. Butler Point is a tranquil place, ideal for a picnic or walking and although it is private property, visits are offered by appointment for a small fee.www.butlerpoint.co.nz
DAY-TRIP 4
BAY OF ISLANDS
A little more than an hours drive from Cable Bay brings you to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Best appreciated from on the water. Let us arrange a booking to enable you to truly experience the beauty of this spectacular area; secluded bays, island jewels and sheltered waters.Swim with the Dolphins on an eco encounter and commune with nature. Alternatively for those that consider paralytic fear to be an enjoyable holiday passtime, charge across the waves at adrenalizing highspeed on the Excitor speedboat. Blast out to Motukokako Island and pass through the "Hole in the Rock" into the majestic Grand Cathedral Cave and back past Cape Brett Lighthouse.
Dolphin eco encounter
Excitor high speed adventure
DAY-TRIP 5
PUKETI FOREST
A fifty minute drive south of Cable Bay, the Puketi Forest is an ancient kauri forest located in the heart of Northland and is one of New Zealands most precious habitats. Turn right about three kilometres south of Kaeo.The Puketi Forest Trust is working to restore this magnificent kauri forest to its original biodiversity. The Puketi and Omahuta Forest offers a diverse range of walking and tramping opportunities. Walks are available for all levels of fitness and some include wheelchair access and mountainbiking tracks. Picnic area and toilets are also available.Puketi Forest Walks
DAY-TRIP 6
KARIKARI PENINSULAR
The KariKari Peninsular is a scenic delight; crystal clear water and sublime beaches. Tokerau Beach is fabled for its Tuatua shellfish beds and surfcasting potential along with Rangiputa and Puheke Beach. Journey to the beautiful Matai Bay within the Department of Conservation (DOC) reserve and Whatuwhiwhi ( the anchorage of de Surville in 1764).Lunch at Karikari Estate winery and enjoy the local wines overlooking the most superlative ocean views in the far north.
www.karikariestate.co.nz/
DAY-TRIP 7
THE ANCIENT KAURI KINGDOM
See colossal kauri trunks retrieved from local swampland and a vast array of consumer items produced from them. A spiral staircase inside a tree-trunk!?
GOLF
The tranquil Whangaroa Golf Course is a 15 mins drive south of Cable Bay.
The Kaitai Golf course is 40 mins drive north and juxtaposed against a breathtaking backdrop of 90 Mile beach.
Green fees are $15 to $25 !!
Traverse across pristine sandunes and beaches the way mother nature intended, guided by professionals on horseback.
Ahipara Horse Treks
AHIPARA QUAD BIKES AND BLOW-CARTS
For the thrill seeker check out the quad bikes at Ahipara. Alternatively for the eco toursit, test your skills at maneuvering wind driven blowcarts, set against the spectacular landscape of the far north. www.ahiparaadventure.co.nz/