Doubtless Bay History

Doubtless Bay | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Doubtless Bay is one of the oldest areas of New Zealand. The history of Doubtless Bay dates from the early 1800s when it was a whaling base.

Doubtless Bay History Overview

Northland is thought to be the first part of New Zealand to be discovered and walked upon by the early Māori settlers. Later European settlers began to arrive and colonise the land.

A treaty between the Māori and the Europeans was signed some years later in Waitangi, and Northland became known as the 'birthplace of a nation'.

Early History

In 1769, Captain James Cook sailed past the entrance to Doubtless Bay and recorded in his journal "doubtless a bay", hence where the name came from.

Unknown to James Cook, a French ship of Francois Marie de Surville was anchored within the bay.

Soon after European traders, whalers, sealers and missionaries began to arrive and created settlements. Mangonui became a thriving port providing supplies and repairs for ships and crews.

The abundant Kauri trees were sought after for their length and diameter to serve as spars and masts.

In 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was drawn up and signed by representatives of the Crown and representatives of the Māori iwi and hapu.

Many more settlers continued to arrive and began felling the Kauri for its timber. Farming of sheep and cattle was also introduced.

Doubtless Bay Accommodation

Doubtless Bay is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of accommodation options:

• Doubtless Bay Motels
• Doubtless Bay Lodges
• Doubtless Bay Bed and Breakfasts
• Doubtless Bay Campsites and Holiday Parks

View more Doubtless Bay Accommodation options.

Useful Doubtless Bay Links

To help plan your Doubtless Bay holiday choose from the main categories below:

• Doubtless Bay Accommodation
• Doubtless Bay Tours
• Doubtless Bay Attractions and Activities
• Doubtless Bay Visitor Information

Doubtless Bay Region Information

Doubtless Bay Tourism Operators