Doubtless Bay has many beautiful white sand beaches. From west facing Hihi, to Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Taipa with its estuary and sweeping beach, to the long vista of Tokerau ending at the idyllic Whatuwhiwhi. Then over the hill to the end of the Karikari peninsula and the twin beaches at Matai Bay, breathtaking in their beauty. Then travel back down the peninsula to the blindingly white sand of Puheke beach with water so clear it crackles. Then to the harbour beach of the boat fisherman's paradise of Rangiputa. All bar Rangiputa are surf beaches to some degree. And there are others, too many to mention.
All are popular and safe for swimming, but they are open water beaches with waves and currents, so some sensible rules need to be followed. Every beach is different, so carefully observe the conditions before swimming.
Children should be instructed not to go deeper than their waists and should never swim unsupervised. Floating devices can be dangerous for children as they can be carried out to sea on them.
Adults, unless they are strong swimmers should also follow the waist deep rule and the precaution about floating devices.
All swimmers should observe the wind and wave conditions when swimming and take extra care if the "surf is up".
If someone is carried out beyond the surf line they should lie on their back and float, kicking gently.
Always underestimate your swimming ability, overestimation can be dangerous. Beaches are not swimming pools.
Now get out there and enjoy our "Beach Paradise". Here is a selection from the huge number of safe bathing beaches awaiting you in Doubtless Bay.
Coopers Beach
A great expanse of unspoiled fine sand backed by rows of beautiful Pohutukawa trees.
Cable Bay
A beautiful pink-coral and golden sand beach with small lagoon and rock pools. Cable Bay is steeply shelving and at certain stage of tide and waves it can be hard to keep your footing.
Taipa Bay
A pretty white-sand beach with safe swimming and excellent surf at times.
Tokerau Beach
On the Karikari Peninsula - a good beach to gather shellfish for supper and warm water for swimming. Frequently excellent surf and fine for blo-karting and kite surfing.
Matai Bay
At the northern tip of the Karikari Peninsula, here is one of New Zealand's most beautiful bays - are two beautiful crescent-shaped sandy beaches. The northern beach is especially fine for bathing.
Rangiputa
A sheltered fine white-sand beach on Rangaunu Harbour on the west coast of the Karikari Peninsula.
Taupo Bay
At the eastern end of Doubtless Bay, here is a white sand beach with crystal clear waters - one of our most popular surf spots.