Paihia to Doubtless Bay by Campervan: Matauri Bay, Whangaroa and Mangōnui
Quick summary: North of the Bay of Islands, State Highway 10 follows one of Northland’s most beautiful and least crowded coastlines. This campervan or motorhome leg runs around 95 km from Paihia through Kerikeri to the sweeping beach at Matauri Bay, the dramatic volcanic harbour of Whangaroa, and the historic fishing village of Mangōnui on Doubtless Bay. It is a short drive, but one worth a full day or two.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Distance | Around 95 km, Paihia to Mangōnui |
| Driving time | Around 1 hour 30 minutes without detours |
| Suggested time | 1–2 days |
| Road | State Highway 10, sealed and winding; steep side roads to some bays |
| Key stops | Kerikeri, Matauri Bay, Tauranga Bay, Whangaroa, Kāeo, Taupō Bay, Mangōnui, Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Taipa |
| Signature experiences | Matauri Bay, St Paul’s Rock walk, Mangōnui’s waterfront, the Cavalli Islands |
| Overnight options | Beachside holiday parks and campgrounds around Matauri Bay, Whangaroa and Doubtless Bay |
| Best for | Beaches, quiet bays and a slower pace |
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Why drive beyond the Bay of Islands?
Because the coast just to the north is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. The bays here are quieter, the beaches wider and the views across to offshore islands spectacular. Whangaroa Harbour, with its towering volcanic domes, is one of the most striking harbours in the country, and Doubtless Bay’s string of beaches and its historic fishing village make an ideal stop on the way to the far north.
What are the best stops between Paihia and Doubtless Bay?
| Stop | Distance from Paihia | Time to allow | What’s there |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerikeri | Around 23 km | 1–2 hours | Historic buildings, supplies, waterfalls |
| Matauri Bay (detour) | Around 50 km | Half a day to overnight | Long beach, memorial and offshore islands |
| Tauranga Bay (detour) | Around 60 km | 1 hour | Sheltered beach near the Whangaroa heads |
| Whangaroa and Totara North | Around 65 km | 1–2 hours | Volcanic harbour, St Paul’s Rock |
| Kāeo | Around 60 km | 15 min | Small town at the head of the harbour |
| Taupō Bay (detour) | Around 80 km | 1 hour | Surf beach off the main road |
| Mangōnui | Around 95 km | Half a day to overnight | Historic fishing village and waterfront |
| Coopers Beach, Cable Bay and Taipa | Around 97–105 km | 1 hour to overnight | The beaches of Doubtless Bay |
Matauri Bay
A narrow road drops steeply from the hills to Matauri Bay, a long arc of pale sand facing the Cavalli Islands. On the headland above, a memorial to the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior overlooks the islands where its wreck was sunk to form a dive site. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Northland, with a campground right by the sand.
Whangaroa Harbour
Whangaroa is a deep, sheltered harbour ringed by volcanic domes and cliffs. From Whangaroa village, a steep walk climbs St Paul’s Rock for a view over the whole harbour, and fishing and sightseeing trips explore its inlets. Totara North, across the water, is a quiet historic settlement.
Mangōnui and Doubtless Bay
Mangōnui is a picturesque old fishing and whaling village built around a narrow inlet, with historic buildings along its waterfront and a famous fish and chip shop. Around the bay, Coopers Beach, Cable Bay and Taipa offer sheltered swimming and golden sand.
What tours and experiences are along this route?
- Diving and snorkelling at the Cavalli Islands and the Rainbow Warrior wreck, from Matauri Bay and Whangaroa.
- Fishing and harbour cruises on Whangaroa Harbour.
- Food and wine around Kerikeri. See food and wine tours.
- Walks up St Paul’s Rock and along the coast.
Is the road down to Matauri Bay steep for an RV?
It’s steep and winding for the last section, dropping from the hills to the beach, but it’s sealed and used by campervans and motorhomes. Take the descent in a low gear, watch for oncoming traffic on the tighter corners, and allow for the climb back out. The side roads to some of the other bays, such as Tauranga Bay and Taupō Bay, are similar, and some are partly unsealed, so check your rental terms.
Where can you stay overnight?
- Matauri Bay, with a beachside campground and holiday park.
- Whangaroa and Tauranga Bay, with campgrounds by the water.
- Mangōnui, Coopers Beach, Cable Bay and Taipa, with holiday parks close to the beaches of Doubtless Bay.
- Self-contained freedom camping is limited and only for certified self-contained vehicles where Far North District Council permits it. See our Northland freedom camping guide.
How should you plan this leg?
- One day: Leave Paihia in the morning, explore Kerikeri, have lunch at Matauri Bay, and finish at Mangōnui for the evening.
- Two days: Spend a night at Matauri Bay or Whangaroa, then continue to Doubtless Bay.
- Next: head out onto the Karikari Peninsula, or west to Kaitāia for the road to Cape Reinga.
Where are supplies?
Kerikeri has the best supermarkets on this leg. Kāeo, Mangōnui and Taipa have smaller stores and fuel. See our stocking up guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Mangōnui, on Doubtless Bay, is around 95 km from Paihia via Kerikeri and State Highway 10, about 1 hour 30 minutes of driving.
Yes. It is one of Northland’s most beautiful beaches, facing the Cavalli Islands, with a memorial to the Rainbow Warrior on the headland and a campground by the sand.
Climb St Paul’s Rock for views over the volcanic harbour, take a fishing or sightseeing trip, and visit the quiet settlement of Totara North.
Mangōnui is a historic fishing and whaling village on Doubtless Bay, known for its waterfront buildings and its fish and chips.
Yes. The road is sealed, but the final descent to the beach is steep and winding, so use a low gear and take it slowly.