Cable Bay: Beach, Water and Coastal Walks

At the southern end of Doubtless Bay lies Cable Bay, a north-facing bay about one kilometre long. The beach is 5 to 15 metres wide above the high-tide line. Together with the beach’s dynamic structure and shape, these features define the coastal character of the place. Conditions may change over time; factor the current situation on site into your plans.

Beach, Water and Walks

In Cable Bay, you can swim and snorkel. If you’d like to include a range of activities in your stay, you can combine these water experiences with coastal walks in Cable Bay. You don’t need specific routes to weigh up time by the water and getting active along the coast: both interests are represented here. The Cable Bay Store is in the heart of Cable Bay, close to the beach, and offers ice cream, cold drinks and something to eat. Check what’s currently available before visiting. It could be a stop after swimming or exploring Doubtless Bay.

Cable Bay Reserve is on State Highway 10 in Cable Bay. The council has put up bilingual water-safety signs in Cable Bay. If you swim or snorkel, check local conditions and follow the water-safety advice. This helps ensure your plans reflect the conditions at the water’s edge.

More to Explore in the Far North District

The wider destination of the Far North District also features historic buildings, museum collections and a coastal route. The Stone Store in Kerikeri, in the Far North District, was built from 1832 to 1836. It is New Zealand’s oldest intact stone building and also its oldest surviving warehouse—two notable historical distinctions for the same building.

Te Ahu Museum at the Te Ahu Centre in Kaitāia presents the history of the Far North District. Topics include pre-European Māori artefacts, gold mining, Dalmatian heritage, kauri gum and timber, early shipwrecks, and missionaries and pioneers. The museum offers films, interactive exhibits, virtual landscape tours and informative displays for visitors of all ages. Its extensive archive includes documents, journals, newspapers, maps and photographs; more than 500 records are available online.

The Te Paki Coastal Track offers a different perspective on the landscape: along the route, there are views of the northern coastline, regenerating bush and large, wind-shaped sand dunes. You can walk the entire track or selected sections; there are four campsites along the route. As operating conditions and possible closures may change, check the latest route information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Waipu, Kaikohe, Matakohe, Lake Ohia, Whangaruru, Awanui, Matapouri, Otaika

For the wider travel overview: Northland.