Wine and Food Markets in the Far North
Don’t miss the Far North Wine Centre in Mangonui for a full selection of Far North Wines including Karikari Estate and Okahu Estate wines. Here you can sample a range of wines and make your selections. I especially like the Waitapu syrah, grown by local celebrities Eric and Sandra Shackleton.Then it is a short walk to the BYO restaurant Waterfront Cafe with the great views of Mangonui Harbour.
On Saturday mornings it is a great idea to visit the markets in Kaitaia ( in the Warehouse carpark on SH1) Here you will find fresh ( and cheap!) local produce in abundance. I got some mandarins and organic garlic and loads of greens this week which is a big help with the school holidays. You can even get fish and oysters the easy way here! Also loads of plants at bargain prices and brickabrac stalls. Really worth the trip!
4 Star Rating for Golden Sand
Don’t miss the special experience of staying right on the beach at Cable Bay in the great 4 star kiwi bach like experience- but with modern amenities.
This is a memorable holiday home for a family or 2 couples. Relax on the deck, enjoy the moon and stars, swim, ( yes the neighbours swim every day!) dive, fish and enjoy a quiet relaxed pace of life. Each apartment has a heat pump fitted so you needn’t worry about the cold too! Packages for longer stays available on request, Live the dream!
Auto Spectacular at Taipa for All Car Enthusiasts
Vintage cars galore at the annual auto spectacular at Taipa in Doubtless Bay every year in early January. Come along for interesting cars especially vintage Ford and Dodge, plus many more. Loads of local stores such as sausage sizzle and candy floss so mark in on your Doubtless Bay Summer Holiday calendar NOW
Third Night for only $25 at Golden Sand Beach Front Apartments*
STAY 3 NIGHTS AND GET YOUR THIRD NIGHT FOR ONLY $25 !!
Missed getting away to relax this summer? Head North to our sub tropical paradise and soak up the endless Summer! Book now and recieve your third night for ONLY $25 *This Special offer is available for 2 person stays from April 19 to August 31 2010 at Golden Sand Beachfront Apartments. Hurry!! Offer ends April 20 2010! Up to 4 people can stay and the price for extras per night is $15 per adult and $10 per child.
Simply call Rochelle on 09 4060475 or email info@goldensand.co.nz Or book online here http://www.goldensand.co.nz/index.php/book-online/
Local attractions include wineries and world class golf courses; fishing; sightseeing, bush walks and great restaurants within easy reach ( including the not to be missed World famous Mangonui fish and chips) Or just stoll along the beach in the moonlight!
Pamper yourself on Holiday
You don’t need to miss out if you are staying in Doubtless Bay and now need a perfect massage or facial and you are spoilt for choice!
I thoroughly recommend that you try Doubtless Beauty for a professional experience. ” Whether it is waxing, wedding makup a facial or massage then Jodi and Alison can provide a great fully inclusive and professional service.
Doubtless Bay is really spoilt with The Essentials as well. “Ula Western gave me the best massage I have ever had,” said Mike Pollock, Ricoh CEO. ” She will also travel to Golden Sand Beachfront Apartments to provide a private massage!”
So while the men are off fishing, don’t forget to treat yourself to a great experience and relax and enjoy your pampering.
Fishing for Big Snapper in Doubtless Bay
Snapper fishing is a favourite pastime in Doubtless Bay, and lately the fishing has been great. Bring your boat or fish off the rocks or beach. Set a contiki off Cable Bay too. Ample parking for the boat at Golden Sand and great fishing just in front of the holiday apartments.
Or you can charter a boat and go our with the experts -Pisces Charters or Castaway Boating are recommended as being locals who know where the fish are biting. So whether you are in to soft baiting, or traditional bait fishing, Doubtless Bay is a haven of tried and true fishing spots.
The big snapper pictured was caught off Castaway Boating charter and the customers were very pleased with their fishing time. Best time I feel in Doubtless Bay is an incoming tide at dusk.
Launching boats is easy at Taipa Ramp, Taipa Point Road( 2km from the Golden Sand Beachfront Accommodation) or at Mangonui Ramp, Silver Egg Road( 5km) but fishing in Rangaunu Harbour is a short drive away too.
Anyway, enjoy your fishing in Doubtless Bay and tight lines!
Walk around Mangonui
Last weekend we got the heritage trail brochure from the Mangonui Information Centre and, following its instructions,
Mangonui Courthouse and Post Office
walked around Mangonui. It was great to see so many old buildings - the court house, the Old Oak, the Mangonui Hotel ( stopped here for a refreshing drink!) and the church and graveyard- and still in ‘working order’. The kids had fun finding the oldest headstone too!
You could really see this as the old centre of commerce that it was and get the feeling of Mangonui 2 centuries ago. Did you know there were 6 pubs in Mangonui at the turn of the century ( 1900s) All in all, it took us a couple of hours to complete (including food and drink stops) and with the splendid views and rustic pathways it was informative, cheap, holiday entertainment for all - and good exercise with those hills! (the roading map was made in England pre 1840 where they assumed the land was all flat!)
